Can bikes run red lights legally?

Question

This really irks me, if i have to obey certain rules in my car then i expect bikes to do the same. I am not against bikes just think they should follow the rules.

Answer 1

In the UK they should follow all the same traffic laws as any other road user, however we all know they don't.

Don't worry about it, if one of the ar$ewipes jumps a light and rides in front of you, whilst you SHOULD make every effort to avoid hitting them, as long as somebody behind you sees your car brake lights go on you can treat them like other vermin running out of control on the road and hit them.

If they can't follow basic traffic laws what right have they to expect you to take take avoiding action?

If they survive you can really rub salt in the wounds by sueing them for damage to your vehicle... always a nice touch I think.

Answer 2

laws have been passed that allow bikes to go through a red light after stopping because bikes are not heavy enough to trip the switches to make the light change.

i think South Carolina was first and other states are looking at it.

Answer 3

I'm assuming that you're talking about GB? No they cannot. It's in the highway code mate. They have to abide by the code just like a motorist does.

By the way, I drive, and I cycle also. I believe that everybody that uses the roads should use them IAW the highway code.

Answer 4

Where I live...no..bikes are vehicles and must follow traffic laws.

And I agree with you.  I've almost hit too many kids zooming through red lights or from side streets.

Answer 5

Wow -- I thought your question was a simple, straightforward one, but you sure struck a lot of nerves out there....

I do believe that cyclists are technically supposed to follow the rules of the road.  I have never seen a cyclist ticketed however.  And to be safe, I think cyclists should attempt to follow the rules of the road as should drivers also.

There are terrible drivers and equally terrible cyclists.  But we do need a system of enforcement that works, because bikes and cars need to coexist safely and the current system does not work.

Answer 6

No, they should follow the same road rules as everyone else. It's unlikely that many cyclists spped going down hills though, have you been driving with tour de france cyclists?Many cyclists, including myself, however, sometimes break certain rules due to the way car drivers treat them and therefore for their own safety. I do detest the cyclists who put pedestrians in danger due to their selfishness though.

Answer 7

I have talked to several police officers about this, including bike cops.  There are two issues: First, bikes are required to follow the same traffic laws as cars, and they can and will be ticketed.  But, the second issue is that bikes cannot trigger the sensors to change a light from red to green.  Even the bike cops acknowledge that if the road is clear they will go ahead and run the red light.  In my area I have not heard about a law allowing this, but the officers I talked to said they would not ticket a cyclist if they crossed appropriately.

Answer 8

No vehicle can run red lights legally. Don't think in terms of motorists and cyclists think in terms of road users all of whom have the same obligations to use the road responsibly and respect others.

Edit- I should just add for the benefit of the Mr Cleggs of this world if I'm endangered by a driver's carelessness I'll kick his head in on the spot without batting an eyelid and then he can sue me if he wants. We're not all of a bunch of lycra clad pansies so be careful who you mess with.

Edit- To be fair some cyclists do run red lights but there's a safety issue. If you're turning a corner with a lorry beside you that is also going to turn there's a real risk that they might not notice you and you could get dragged under the wheels. I saw the aftermath of such an accident and if the cyclist had just jumped the red light rather than waiting he wouldn't have been killed.

Answer 9

What a stupid question, if a cyclist runs a red light they get run over and killed.  If they obey the law a car driver runs a red light, runs them over and kills them.

And don't lie, you break the law the same as every other car driver.

EDIT - Come back and ask again when you're actually old enough to drive a car, you childish little prick.

EDIT 2 - Then don't judge all cyclists by ONE you say ran a red light.  I see dozens of car drivers run red lights every day, I have never once seen a cyclist risk their life by doing it.

EDIT 3 - I can see from your other questions what an open minded, easy going guy you are.  

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind...

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind...

You're nothing but an imature, nasty minded little bigot.

And I'm with Andy the Atheist, if you ever meet me Clegg you'd best drive on by, because I'll do you some serious harm.

Answer 10

I think cars should follow the rules - everyone, including you, speed and a lot more. Cars break the law 1,000,000 times as much as bikes. Are you a frustrated Jr. High hall monitor?

Generalization? Your question is a generization. Then you lie about speeding? You break at least 10 laws when you drive any given day. You the rude agressive type drive that is a danger to everyone. So you see some bikes though reds, since cars and drivers like you are by far more dangerous what's the point of ranting?  

You think it's cool Mr Crackhead thinks hitting a cyclist is funny. You both need to be off the road.

And why do you hate me? I follow the road rules. You appear to be mental and a danger to others on the road.

Answer 11

i dont know but i do when i am alone and there are no cars around

Answer 12

No, bikes are held to the same rules and regulations as cars.  That's why it's also illegal to ride on the sidewalk.

Answer 13

Gee you're irked...

Take two aspirins and rant again in the morning.

BTW, you seem to be a petty, small minded lad. I hope maturity helps you grow out of this.

Laddie, your question and comments proves my point. You seem to have a problem with projecting everything you do and say onto us here. Please seek help before you kill someone with your car.

Your main question was fine. You teed many off with the child-like "well if I gotta stop why doesn't he have to" weining. And the problem is NO driver obeys the rules, so your question is a joke. MYOB.

Drivers stop at lights most the time BUT consistantly speed, don't signle turns and lane chages, tail gate cut drivers, bikes and pedestrians off. You continually fail to admit drives break FAR, FAR more important traffic laws. WHY IS THIS? You weine and cry. If you don't like the answers - don't ask the question.

EDIT: Oh Silenus busted you as a mean little troll. (like we didn't know)

Why are you judging us on being personal? In your own word I HATE people who judge. Can you see how you are doing exactly what you accuse others of?

Read all your comments - you will see judgement after judgement, so you can - but others can't? You still can't admit to the fact cars are a major problem and a few bikes running a red is a drop in the bucket? Why do you have a bone to pick with these few when you a lawless when you drive? Why do you continuosly ignor this fact?

Why do you support (yes you do, so don't lie) what MrClegg stated? You think a - h o l e s like that are funny? You're sick if you you do.

Your question was answered. The way you stated it, we simply pointed out you break 100's of laws as a driver compaired to a cyclist - so grow up.

Cars are 99% the problem.