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Andrew says that

"Americans can cope perfectly safely with 'right turn on stop' in their cars"

The reason that Americans and Canadians can "cope" with this is because drviers are expected to still stop if a pedestrian is trying to cross and most of them do.

Here most cyclists don't even stop at a red light when pedestrians are already half way across!

How do you think that blind people will be able to get about if they cannot have any faith in traffic actually stopping when the green man is on?

- Sharon, London, 21/03/2010 21:25
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Let's all simply accept that every subset of the human race has to suffer a proportion of bigoted, hot-headed and ego-centric folks, who think that the world and everything in it was constructed solely for their own convenience. Cyclists and drivers are but 2 of such subsets, so obviously there are going to be some of those self-centred woodentops in each of the 2 groups. Ok, now that's settled, we can discount all the foregoing pointless and unhelpful remarks along the lines of "I see cyclists every day who run red lights and don't obey traffic laws" or "I'm brassed off by idiots in cars who cut me off and change lanes without signalling". Yes. Agreed. We all do. Every day. As a driver. As a cyclist. Whichever. But using evidence gathered about a minority as ammunition against the correctly-behaved group is crass, and does nothing to make the situation better for cyclist or motorist.

Also... I am now 61, and have been both driver and cyclist since the age of 17. A quick subtraction will tell you that I have ridden bikes for 44 years. In that time, I have met and ridden with many hundreds of riders. In all those years I have known of ONE who was not also a driver and car owner; many of them are/were owners of multiple vehicles. And I am not unique in that experience. So let's also nail the argument that cyclists don't deserve consideration because they don't pay for maintenance of the roadways.

- Alan F, Eltham SE9, 11/03/2010 14:36
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London Cyclist

It's not just cyclists who deny they're ever to blame for accidents, the vast majority of car drivers do that too. My ex was a mechanic in a very busy garage and told me that in 25 years he'd only come across two drivers who admitted accidents were their fault. Not really possible, is it?

- Sarah Bradshaw, Enfield, Middx, 11/03/2010 09:30
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- Cyclist, london
"If minority of people break the law, the people are wrong.
It the majority break the law, the law is wrong."


The majority of people break speed limits, does that mean that speed limits are set too low?

Your argument doesn't stack up so well now does it ?

- Jl, London, 10/03/2010 22:01
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Even when they catch killer drivers the penalties are risible. Emma Foa was killed by a lorry driver who admitted filling in his paperwork at the wheel. He killed Emma and received a fine and no ban. As far as I know he's still driving around London. Careless, reckless stupid drivers are killing cyclists and getting away with it. On average, ten children every day are killed or seriously injured by drivers. On average cyclists kill 0.5% of people a year, in all circumstance, even when the pedestrian wanders into the road.
What are the risks of red light jumping?
• In London between 2001-05 (the most recent data we have), there were 3
cyclists, 7 pedestrians and 7 motor vehicle occupants killed in collisions
where a motorist jumped a red light.
• Two cyclists were killed by red light jumping (i.e. fewer than the number of
cyclists killed by red-light-jumping drivers), while 7 motorcyclists got
themselves killed the same way. Jumping a red light on a bike is illegal
and can be dangerous; jumping a red light using a motor vehicle is just
as illegal but causes a lot more death and injury.

- Susan Burton, E3, 10/03/2010 15:00
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Actually Jon, London, cyclists do not cause the vast majority of accidents they are involved in. I was involved in an accident last November (still receiving physiotherapy on my hip). The driver of a Ford Escort simply turned his car right across a junction into my path and I slammed into the side of him. He has accepted full responsibility and I am in the process of taking him to the cleaners.

Statements like "tehre have been at least 10 cyclists who killed themselves under lorries in London" show that you have absolutely no idea. Where is your proof that people killed "are at fault either driving badly, walking in front of or in cyclist's case suicidal behaviour."?

I'm no traffic expert but I can guarantee you that if cars were banned from London from tomorrow, we'd see an enormous drop in road traffic fatalities and accidents. Whether cyclists cause problems or not, they do not kill or maim in excess of 4000 people per year.

- London Cyclist, London, 10/03/2010 14:10
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@ London Cyclist.
Most of the people killed "by" cars are at fault either driving badly, walking in front of or in cyclist's case suicidal behaviour. where did you get the 0.5 per year. tehre have been at least 10 cyclists who killed themselves under lorries in London. You are vulnerable, act accordingly and not ride as if the road belongs to you.

- Jon, london, 10/03/2010 13:01
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Most Cyclists go through red lights anyway, so what's new. What a stupid idea Boris, If cyclists obeyed the highway code the same as motorcyclist and car drivers, I suggest this would cut the amount of road deaths.

- Patricia Spreadbury, Lonon, 10/03/2010 12:43
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Mark, you are actually incorrect. The highway code is NOT the law, its a code. The law is such things as the Road Traffic Act, the highway code is just guidance (with reference to the relevant acts).

I hope you don't actually go out on the road in a car/bike, if you don't know what the Highway Code actually is.....

- George, London, 10/03/2010 12:41
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While you lot have been busy foaming at the mouth and writing the same old anti-cycling drivel, two young cyclists have been killed in collisions with tipper lorries in two days. A 21 year old man died metres away from where the Mayor was launching his Cycle Safety Action Plan, while a 27 year old woman was killed on the Victoria Park roundabout this morning. This is why things need to change. On Sunday evening, I almost became a statistic myself when a car pulled out across a junction without looking and sent me flying. The driver admitted responsibility, handed me £40 and scarpered before I could get his details. I guess I should consider myself lucky.

- Ruth, London, 10/03/2010 12:21
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I am a cyclist, but no matter what means of transport you use it strikes me that the public have forgotten that the Highway code is the law and it is there to protect them, not as some restriction on their freedoms.

- Mark, London, 10/03/2010 11:52
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It would only be legal for the cyclist to go through the red if the pedestrian crossings are clear. If you are crossing then you have the same rights as you normally do.

Boris is basically making the traffic light controlled crossings into pelican crossings for cyclists. Go when clear stop when pedestrians are crossing.

- Gd, Reading, UK, 10/03/2010 11:27
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Instead of giving in to all the cyclists who illegally go through red lights, cycle across pedestrian crossing, cycle at night with no lights on, cycle on the pavement, etc - why not clamp down on these offenders and fine them when they break the law. Cyclists are dying at junctions because they undertake cars/lorries that are indicating a left turn.

Tag cycles so that when they go through red lights an automatic fine is issued.

- Andy, london, 10/03/2010 11:03
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If cyclists can go through red lights, when will it be safe for pedestrians to cross with the 'green man"? How will children fare?

- Sarahn, London, UK, 10/03/2010 10:48
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If you turn right on red in the USA you are obliged by law to give way to all traffic from the left and to give way to pedestrians crossing either on the road being exited or on the one you are turning in to. It isn't rocket science! If you go through the red and are involved in an accident it is your fault. The same could apply over here.

Cyclists pay the same VED vehicle emmissions duty as electric/hybrid cars and classic cars.

Cyclists don't want to hit pedestrians as they often come off worse.

Some cyclists are idiots, so are some drivers and some pedestrians but don't let that get in the way of a good generalisation.

I don't jump red lights in my car or on my bike.

- Gd, Reading, UK, 10/03/2010 10:11
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I've an idea. Let's have Boris pioneer this for a year personally. If he doesn't end up under a lorry, then we know it's safe and can be extended generally. If he does, then London gets a better Mayor. A win-win situation either way!

- Roy, England, 10/03/2010 09:59
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If minority of people break the law, the people are wrong.
It the majority break the law, the law is wrong.

- Cyclist, london, 10/03/2010 09:38
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All these rabid comments demonising cyclists as though they are the major cause of death and injury on the road....! Let's put this into perspective. Approximately 4000 people are killed on the roads by MOTORISED traffic EVERY YEAR! That's men, women, children, drivers and passengers themselves and yes, cyclists. That doesn't include the many more who are maimed and injured.

Cyclists statistically kill 0.5 people per year. How about reserving your anger for motorists who drive uninsured, drive untaxed, drive whilst doing their make up, drive whilst having a conversation on the mobile, speed etc etc. And yes, every morning I see motorists drive through red lights. EVERY MORNING! If one of them hit you, you'd be doing a bit more than picking yourself up off the ground, swearing and dusting yourself off.

Don't dump all your wrath on cyclists just because you got up on the wrong side of the bed and had a bad journey on the Tube!

- London Cyclist, London, 10/03/2010 09:13
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First we allow cyclists to go on the roads at night with dark clothing and no lights on their bikes, we let them ride on the pavements, we then allow them to go the wrong way up one way streets, now the mayor is thinking of letting them ignore traffic lights as well, what has Boris got against the cyclist.

- Mr S.Port, London, 10/03/2010 00:48
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@Andrew "Only Boris would come up with a solution which involves changing what is clearly accepted as the international code for stop to go."

In the USA all traffic can turn right (=left in UK) at red lights if it is safe to do so.

Flashback to June 2006 "Drivers should be able to turn left at red lights in a bid to ease congestion, the Conservatives have proposed.

The Tories' economic competitiveness policy group has put forward the idea as part of a 10-point transport plan." [BBC website]

- Tonyb, Melbourne, Australia, 09/03/2010 22:12
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Come on guys, you're really earning your title as a bunch of whingeing poms! Lighten up

- E, Adelaide, Australia, 09/03/2010 22:09
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You are turning into a right k--bhead Boris.!

- Mark A, Warrington, 09/03/2010 22:02
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Crikey some of you on here have a real sociopathic hatred towards cyclists. I mean come on, look at the various stats, its not "all" cyclists, its a minority. Human psychology is preprogrammed to remember the negative, we never take note of all the people waiting at the lights.

And no. The driver wont be thrown in shackles if he or she hits a cyclist using this new law. It will be exactly as if the cyclist is waiting to pull out of a give way at a non-light controlled junction - if they ride into your path when it is unsafe to do so then they are to blame (and even liable - and dont give me the insurance-reg argument, thats been shot down in flames a hundred times before).

Stop whinging and worrying. Just enjoy your ride or drive and take care!

- Djc, hampshire, 09/03/2010 21:08
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Careful Boris!!!

You've done 'eff all for pedestrian pensioners, at least Ken initiated the Bus Pass.

I'm one of them and cyclists are far and away my biggest traffic hazard without you giving permission to flaunt traffic lights.

- Richard, London, 09/03/2010 20:42
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a cyclist appeared out of nowhere on my nearside as i moved off on a green light . i braked heavily, he shook his fist at me and combined this with screaming obsenities, if he carries on overtaking on the inside i give him six months, less if he does it with lorries. overtaking on the inside is crazy when cars do it but for cyclists its suicidal and what about their cavalier attitude at passing pedestrians (like me)on pavements at speed, from behind without any form of warning that really causes my hackles to hackle.

- Pete, chelmsford uk, 09/03/2010 20:19
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Cycling to work should be mandatory if you're under 60. Oh and if you don't cycle you're an idiot. Fat too.

- Bah Humbug, Dublin, Ireland, 09/03/2010 20:00
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For all you drivers that hate cyclists so much, I would guess any of you that have kids have not given them bikes as one of the kids I help help train got his ankle broken by a driver crossing on a crossing by someone not looking at what was in front of them.

I have also had a lorry pull out on me and not looking at how quick I was going, but was very surprised when I passed him.

Also having drivers cut in front me instead of waiting the 5 seconds or less it would have taken me to pass the turning or the same thing happening on a left turn, with the driver saying they did not see me, after driving pass me!

I have also seen cyclist do some really mad things too but if a driver takes a risk, it will be the cyclist that gets hurt.

- Colin Cyclist And Driver, London, 09/03/2010 19:15
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Time to carry a golf brolley. I watched a pedestrian crossing on a green man the other day shove one between a cyclists spokes the other day. Stopped him running down the pedestrian quite effectively.

- Jl, London, 09/03/2010 19:14
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It's simply a question of perception. In the UK it's perceived to be safe for pedestrians to be able to cross (after looking where they're going) at any piobnt along a road. They are not obliged to cross at pedestrian crossings and they're not obliged to cross when the green man is lit.

In many cities such as Antwerp, it is acceptable for cyclists to do the same, it is permissible for cyclists to pass through red lights when the way is clear

I lived in Japan for many years and it took me a few months to realise than walking across a junction when the red man is showing raises the same horror in Japanese people as cyclists passing through red lights does in the UK.

Bicycles are not cars. They have more in common with pedestrians than they do with 2 tonnes of speeding motorised glass and metal. They should be allowed to cross junctions when the way is clear to get them away from traffic, just as pedestrians cross roads wherever and whenever they like. The road system with complex junctions, roundabouts, one ways systems etc is designed with motor traffic in mind, not cyclists.

- London Cyclist, London, 09/03/2010 18:29
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I can't believe how ignorant many of these comments are. The right to go through or turn left at a red will only be when it is safe to do so. I am obviously not going to charge cross an intersection with cars coming at me from all sidesbut there are plenty of occaisions when I am sitting at a red light with not a car or a pedestrian in sight. We cyclists have so many obstacles in our way such as traffic 'calming' measures, road narrowing, idiot texting pedestrians, as well as being responsible for most of the worlds' ills apparently. Try to remember that we are the environmentally friendly option and reall should have a few little perks. It does NOT mean subjecting pedestrians to unmitigated rmapaging, it just means taking the odd advantage when it's safe to do so.

- Rovernw2, London UK, 09/03/2010 18:15
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And what is a motorist to do if he drives through a green traffic light, and suddenly finds a crazy Lycra-Lout crossing his path? If the motorist pulls up sharply to avoid the idiot, he could find himself in a serious accident as other vehicles pile up behind him, probably causing many deaths, and all due to Boris and the Lycra-Louts. Absolutely ridiculous Boris, I voted for you, at least give me something sensible in return.

- Peter Thurgood, London, UK, 09/03/2010 17:54
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Boris cannot let cyclists go through red lights - he does not have the power to change the Road Traffic Acts which prohibit going through a red light.
Only Parliament can change the law.

- Peter C-H, London, UK, 09/03/2010 17:31
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2500 people killed by cars every year and rising.

- Andrew Death, Teddington UK, 09/03/2010 17:30
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I agree with a lot of the comments to date.

Most cyclists feel as if they already own the roads - jumping traffic lights, cutting corners by going across pavements, holding up buses etc.

We should be looking at ways of making Cyclists follow the laws of the road that the rest of us have to not allowing them special privelleges which they will just take further adavantage off.

Cyclists do not pay a penny insurance, roadtax - why should they be allowed any privelleges.

- Sean, London, 09/03/2010 17:27
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Andrew

Americans can cope perfectly safely with 'right turn on stop' in their cars. It seems that in Britain, we are too stupid to cope with such a sensible system.

After all, pedestrians run across red pedestrian lights. All they are doing is considering the options and deciding that the light is pointless.

Same with bikes. Most red lights in London are completely pointless. Why SHOULD bicycles have to adhere to signals that were designed because of the problems caused by cars. Traffic lights weren't needed when all that was on the road was horses and bicycles. Traffic lights were only needed when everyone started driving.

- George, London, 09/03/2010 17:27
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This is almost as wrong-headed as those stupid strips of blue paint springing up all over London. Encourage people to drive up the left of lorries to save them from left turning lorries. Genius!

- Kevin, London, 09/03/2010 17:21
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As I cyclist I think this is stupid. If a cyclist runs a red light then it should always be their fault if an incident occurs. I roll through a few when nothing is happening, but not when people or cars are nearby.

That said, the hatred towards cyclists is bizarre. I don't see what's so wrong about choosing a bike to travel around London. It's really quite practical and would be even more so if there wasn't so much aggression towards other road users.

It costs virtually nothing to insure a cyclist as they cause very little issues/damage. Most already are through house insurance or cycling memberships. I read that a larger proportion of cyclists are insured than drivers!! and I believe only one person has been killed by a cyclist in a number of years - and that cyclist had other mental issues.

- Kieran, London, 09/03/2010 17:08
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I have just had an after thought. Boris why dont you re-open BEDLAM and make it the mayoral residence.NB Bedlam, located in South London was a lunatic asylum until the early 1900's. seems to me it would be sutable for you Boris.

- John Bandey, Cerilly . France, 09/03/2010 16:50
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I think the majority of people are in agreement on these boards namely cyclists should obey the rules of the road just like everyone else does: red means stop. It's as simple as that. Only Boris would come up with a solution which involves changing what is clearly accepted as the international code for stop to go.

- Andrew, St. John's Wood, London, 09/03/2010 16:35
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Sarah, London

When you have time, go to the Blackfriars junction, where there has been a complete redevelopment of the road junction. Not only did they paint a dedicated cycle lane, they also put a traffic island to protect the cyslists from other road traffic. They also put traffic lights up for the cyclists, but after 3 months I've yet to see one cyclist stop when the cycle lane has a red light. And this junction is used by hundreds if not thousands of cyclists everyday. And you call that a majority of cyclists stopping at a Red Light!

- Shanks Pony, Flackwell Heath, Grot Britain, 09/03/2010 16:27
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What about the saftey of pedestrians on both pavements and roads?

- Karen 976, London, 09/03/2010 16:18
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So when a cyclist is wiped up by a car who is passing a green light, who is to blame. Red has always meant stop and should apply to cyclists, unless of course the are required to pay a fee for exemption. Boris pull the other leg. Next he will be changing driving to right hand side of the road, starting next week for cars and the week after for lorries and busses.!!!!!

- John Bandey, Cerilly . France, 09/03/2010 16:05
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What does Boris think he's up to!! I think that all cyclists should obey the Highway Code and stop at red lights,if a motorist goes through a red light they are breaking the law, so why should it be any different for cyclists. Millions of pounds have been spent on changing our roads to include cyclists lanes, therefore Boris should charge cyclists a form of tax and also make sure that they have insurance so that when they injure someone or damage a car they can pay up for jumping RED LIGHTS AND RIDING ON THE PAVEMENT. Boris shame on you just because it suits you!!!!!!!!

- Sw Londoner, London, 09/03/2010 15:57
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So what's new? Most cyclists that I see already go through red lights, and flout most other road laws as well. The way to reduce cyclist deaths and injuries would be for the cyclists themselves to behave and act responsibly. Simplez.

- Bob, Enfield, 09/03/2010 15:56
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George, old man, I do not whinge and I have been hit by a speeding despatch rider on a bicycle, when he went careering through a red at the traffic lights at St Martin's le Grand.

- Nathaniel Bunt, London, 09/03/2010 15:49
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London Cyclist: if only it were so but it is not and that is the problem.

It only takes one cycling idiot to have a tragedy.

- Nathaniel Bunt, London, 09/03/2010 15:39
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But it is clearly ok to kill pedestrians. This is nonsense.

- Goggs, London, 09/03/2010 15:38
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When are all you people who 'nearly got hit by a bike' going to realise that you 'didn't get hit' by a bike because they saw you AGES before you saw them?

'Nearly being hit' is the same as 'NOT being hit'.

I 'nearly hit' about a dozen dozy pedestrians every day when they step off the kerb in front of my bicycle without looking. I sometimes look forward to the day when there are more quiet electric cars so that pedestrians start to take notice of their road sense when more and more of them get killed.

How many of these whingeing pedestrians always stop at the red man at crossings, and how many of them don't speed when driving their cars?

- George, London, 09/03/2010 15:25
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As always, it will be the more aggressive amongst the cyclists that will test their limits on such a ruling, meaning that they WILL endanger pedestrians and challenge motor vehichles in the exercising of their 'rights' - and ALL cyclists will be judged by their actions, just as ALL drivers are continually being judged by the actions of the more aggressive drivers by the velocipede crowd.

...and as usual, the bog-standard foaming at the mouth "comments" (read "attacks") by the likes of the apparent Narcissist 'Cooking Good Looking, London' and
will be put forth in this forum from both sides of the "discussion" (just for a change, I couldn't find one of the more silly opposite responses from the motor side of the argument commenting on this article - mind you, it's early yet...).

- Rogan, Irving, 09/03/2010 15:11
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Cyclists should not be allowed to jump red lights. Period. By the same token, pedestrians should not be allowed headphones while crossing roads, they should only be allowed to cross road at pedestrian crossings, and only when the little man is green.

- A Londonner, London, 09/03/2010 15:09
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Another brain dead idea by our brain dead Mayor.Eton must be so proud.

- Roy, london, 09/03/2010 14:59
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A young male cyclist was killed this morning on Weston Street, minutes from GUys hospital and LOndon Bridge.
Apparently he was in a collision with a lorry which crushed him.

- Deidre, London, 09/03/2010 14:46
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What nonsense! A cyclist is a road user and must be subject to the same laws. If a cyclist goes through a red light it does not allow enough time for the faster vehicle with the right of way to stop before hitting the cyclist and then have the cyclist claim that he was not at fault should accident result.

- Jon, london, 09/03/2010 14:33
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I really want safety for cyclists but what about pedestrians? Cyclists going through red lights can be really dangerous surely, especially if they are going fast and down by the side of cars where you can't see them as well.

Also cyclists please don't cycle up a one way street the wrong way - or if you do don't cycle near the curb where people can step off into your path.

- Rachel, london, 09/03/2010 14:29
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They should teach pedestrians to look both ways before they cross the road as well. Bring back the Green Cross Code

- Alex, London, 09/03/2010 14:25
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Nathaniel Bunt - I think the idea is that cyclists turn left on red when the way is clear. Just as motor traffic does in many countries (such as the US). It's not a licence to plough through pedestrians. As a cyclist who rides about 120 miles per week, I can say that waiting for whacky races at lights when the green light changes is possibly the most dangerous place for cyclists.

And on the subject of abuse, try cycling - abuse from minicab drivers, taxi drivers, moped riders, white van man etc etc not to mention abuse from pedestrians who walk out into the road without looking abd are surprised when they get hit...

- London Cyclist, London, 09/03/2010 14:20
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No change there then!

- Sue, Kent, 09/03/2010 14:13
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Oh please - I would love to know the logic (sic) behind the thought process on this one - surprise surprise, it was suggested by a bloke!!!!! AND a Blonde one too - who says blondes are dumb!!!!!
ALL cyclists should be licensed and have fully comprehensive insurance BEFORE they are allowed to take to the road, at age 18 - unless out with an insured and licensed adult.
Arrogance and inconsiderate are the two politest things that I can say on this forum.
Here in Spain we are plagued by the lycra mobs, training for the Tour of Wherever, in large teams with a slow moving support vehicle behind - they are only slightly up the evolutionary chain from the idiots in towns etc, who consider all other users of the roads and pavements fair game.
They grizzle if they have an accident and EXPECT you to be insured!!!!
This is one law that the Tories can bring in when they win the election, and if they use this as one of their electoral promises, they would definitely get the votes.
Boris should get on with making London safer for ALL, not just those who share his latest craze!!!!!
PS - this also goes for those damned mobility scooters too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Petra, alicante, spain, 09/03/2010 14:01
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All you fat slobs hate cyclists because you hate the sight you see in the mirror. Get a life, get a bike.

- Cooking Good Looking, London, 09/03/2010 13:52
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Hang on- I thought red lights were supposed to stop you hitting cross-traffic. Why not allow mopeds, motorcycles, tractors, cars, trucks, buses and tanks to go ahead on red as well? Same logic. Or why not get rid of traffic lights altogether? As Chaz says, what about pedestrians?

- Tim, Shanghai, China, 09/03/2010 13:48
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Funny all pedestrians seem to complain about crazy and wild cyclist who ignore all rules of the road, and always get from A to B by jumping as many red lights and cycling on as many pavements as possible. As a cyclist, I can wholeheartedly say that at least 70% of my fellow cyclists actually stop at red lights, but the red light jumping minority cause trouble for all of us.

Having said that, last night I was alone stopped at a red light on my bicycle. Three, THREE, cars came, overtook me, and then jumped the light while I stood there watching.

Finally, for all those moaning at cyclists jumping lights and riding on pavements. Do you teach your children not to ride their bikes on the pavement? do you teach them to respect the red lights when riding their bikes? I didn't think so...

- Fernando Jimenez, London, 09/03/2010 13:48
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Traffic lights are there for a reason.... to control traffic flow.... are not cyclists part of the traffic.... leave well alone with this idea....

- Ziz, Farnham, 09/03/2010 13:44
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How will this work with people needing to cross the road when the lights are on red.

Bad enough with so many on the pavements nearly knocking people over.

Cyclists are mainly scum in my opinion, selfish vile creatures.

- P Staker, London, 09/03/2010 13:42
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This is insane! I was almost hit by a cyclist near my home as I crossed when the lights were red and the green man was lit. I was not a happy bunny and pulled him up on it, his response was a tirade of rude language and threatening behaviour. I'm tell you all about this, as you might as well get used to hearing it, as soon cyclists may be allowed to do this by law!

And finally I want to know about what has happened to my rights as a pedestrian?! Answers and suggestions on a postcard please addresses to Boris

- Amy, London, 09/03/2010 13:38
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what a stupid idea. Cyclists are not at risk from vehicles turning left if they use common sense and obey the rules of the road. They simply should recognise the danger and not go alongside vehicles waiting at lights where they cannot be seen. If you can't see the driver in the mirror he can't see you. Their attitude is "all about me" being first. As a pedestrian I think the attitude of most cyclists is awful. The rules are there so that all know what to expect others to do. If cyclists obey the basic traffic rules they will be much safer.

- Tony, London, 09/03/2010 13:37
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This is madness

- Nigel, London WC1, 09/03/2010 13:36
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Spot on Chaz and Paul! The most ridiculous idea EVER!! Can we please have a mayor who lives in the real world.

- Karenf, london, 09/03/2010 13:33
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Great. Ken gave us bendy buses, Boris give us this. This is madness you are going to have cyclists speeding through lights and yes they can kill b/c it happened near me, a man was killed by a cyclist and someone else had their leg broken in 3 places by a cyclist going down a street the wrong way. I'm not anti cycling, I cycle myself but I'm just aware that the same as with drivers you get good and bad

- Wendy, London, 09/03/2010 13:33
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So will pedestrians have to give way when they have a green light & the cyclists goes through a red? I had this happen last night where a cyclist went through the red ytaffic light as I crossed at a green pedectrian crossing and they rang their bell at me to get out of their way as they jumped a red light!

Also pity there is no hard hitting campaign for cyclists to obey traffic signals, road signs, think what cars/lorries can see etc.

I walk, drive & cycle in London, and a sizeable 30ish? percentage of cyclists should not be allowed on the road. It is this subsection which create most of the issues.

Perhaps we need some form of compulsory basic training training for cyclists in London. But it will be yet more red tape, and the reality is you can't train people to have common sense and not to be stupid.

- Matthew, London, 09/03/2010 13:32
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London Cyclist, I was almost hit last night while walking while on a green man as great portland street.

3 cyclists felt it was their right to speed through because they were truning left at the lights. Is this right? Are you saying that people should be run over by these morons?

Ok, no problem, let me know when your family are walking across the road and I'll speed past them with no warning. Hopefully it will all work out ok....

- Mark, St Albans, 09/03/2010 13:31
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Why dont cyclists stay behind trucks/cars and wear better safety clothes? I am amazed to see that most have only a tiny light at the rear of their bicycle as a way to signal their presence, even riding at night amongst intense traffic! Talking about road safety, where I live, there are no proper pedestrian crossings with signals for pedestrians. To cross, you have to look at the traffic lights for cars with your back to the cars. Why is that?

- Justanopinion, London, 09/03/2010 13:31
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Paul Inchcroft - if you've never seen a cyclist stop at a red light, you should look a bit harder... The MAJORITY of cyclists stop at red lights. Don't let those who don't give others a bad name!

Join other motorists and make sure you look out for cyclists in future cos you obviously don't at the mo

- Sarah, london, 09/03/2010 13:29
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Red Lights? Cyclists don't even take notice of the ones at pedestrian crossings. Its a battle to get across the road without being run over by one.

- Dp, London, 09/03/2010 13:27
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So how do pedestrians know when it is safe to cross then? I am 7 months pregnant and I am sure being hit by, or even just shouted at, by a cyclist going through a red light will make my road journeys a lot more difficult and dangerous. Do I feel confident that cyclists will look out for pedestrians? No, not really. So we might reduce cyclist deaths and injuries but increase pedestrian ones? Not sure about this one.

- Mikkiduk, Hackney, London, 09/03/2010 13:22
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Chaz, pedestrians have a responsibility to look where they are going and at what is using the road when crossing.

I have to use an air horn on my bike for the really dumb ones who walk out between the parked cars wearing headphones.

- Jacqui Smith'S Dvd Collection!, Hackney, London, 09/03/2010 13:19
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Couldn't agree with London Cyclist more.

One-way systems, traffic lights and gyratory systems were all designed to cope with the increasing popularity of the motor car. Anyone who cycles can see how utterly unsuitable this system is for bicycles.

Is it any wonder that cyclists, powered by their own muscles, don't want to stop/start every few hundred metres or take 1-2 mile detours due to a one-way system designed for cars??

- Cyclist, london, 09/03/2010 13:17
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Totally agree with Paul and Chaz. London Cyclist: yes - roads are designed for motor traffic and not bikes - you have answered this issue as to why it is a bad idea with your own statement. A cyclist nearly knocked me down this morning because he jumped the Green pedestrian light. I don't really see how this will help apart from creating more confusion (which is pretty much the affect Boris has with his involvement on any matter). What about the pedestrians crossing the road that these cyclists are turning left into?

- Andrew, St. John's Wood, London, 09/03/2010 13:16
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So, "London Cyclist", what is your take on the effect such a relaxation would have on the pedestrians of London? Would you like to hazard a guess at how in safety a pedestrian might cross the road? With the number of pushy bikes I see each day, going through a red - unlawfully, you could be standing on the kerbside for ages. It's because Boris Johnson rdies a bike that he has absolutely no idea of the abuse fo the road pedestrians have to put up with, mainly from bike riders who cannot have the necessary patience to wait for a green light.

As usual, the pedestrian is the last in this food chain.

- Nathaniel Bunt, London, 09/03/2010 13:15
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It put pedestrians at risk, the have been a number of times I have been nearly knocked over by cyclists ignoring the rules of the road. With regard to lorries cyclists should not go up the inside of them wait behind and let them move off.

- Kim Lovell, Newham, London, 09/03/2010 13:14
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Dont we have enough problems with cyclists using road, pavbement and anything else that they can ride on. I have had two incidents when I have near misses with cyclyst crossing red lights (and thats when it is illegal)

- Phillip Stones, London, 09/03/2010 13:13
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Surely letting them cross red lights will cause more death, because if there are staggered traffic lights, traffic could be turning right from the opposite direction, which could hit the cyclist.

- E Sullivan, London, 09/03/2010 13:11
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As a cyclist myself; I remain unconvinced that crossing any red light is wise, even just turning left; you could get hit by vehicles that are crossing that junction on a green light, and driving straight ahead etc.

Cyclists need to think fast, and think far more clearly etc; never stop by the side of large vehicles at red lights; hold back to the rear of the large vehicle, and then if it turns left, you are nowhere near getting crushed under the wheels etc.

I think lessons on sensible road using sense, is far wiser than letting cyclists feel they are safe, by crossing red lights for any reason etc.

But whatever Boris wants or does; I will ignore him and carry on not crossing any red lights at all etc, and remain with using my brain and my common sense to guide me etc, after 50 years I am still alive and well; by just using my own judgement and sense etc.

- Mickinlondon, london, 09/03/2010 13:08
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Cut road deaths (will be interesting to see how), and increase the risk of injury or death for pedestrians. Just glad such nonsense won't be making it's way to the streets near me anytime soon.

- Jock, Glasgow, 09/03/2010 13:07
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The people who need to be kept under control are the many many ignorant cyclists who put pedestrians at risk by the dangerous bike riding in London.

- Mike Melbourne, Bedford, 09/03/2010 13:05
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Another cyclist has died today, early 20s, killed in a collision with a lorry at the junction of Snowsfields and Weston Street near Guy's Hospital...its so sad RIP.

- Lily Ryan, London, 09/03/2010 13:03
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I have no problem with cyclists filtering (in fact I think all traffic shoul ddo it) but I can guarantee there will be accidents and then who is to blame? Cyclist or car that sqaushes them. If only we could get a law fining cyclists 3300 for wearing ipods, that would cut the deaths as well. I am so fed up with oblivious cyclists changing lane or coming out from between traffic without looking or doing "lifesavers" that all us motorcyclists do. (Oh yes and for those dopy little girls with ipods, stilletoes and a strap dangling off their helmets in cas it smudges their makeup, they should be fined £500 and have 12 points on the licence as well.

- Jon, london, 09/03/2010 13:03
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Can't say I've ever seen any cyclists stop at red lights! This will make no difference. Cyclists are a law unto themselves, especially on our pavements.

- Paul Inchcroft, London, England, 09/03/2010 12:59
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About time that it's recognised that cyclists have about as much in common with a 2 tonne lump of glass and metal with an engine travelling at high speed as an amoeba does with a shark. The road system is designed for motor traffic and not for bikes. It's about time that measures like this were implemented to reflect this.

- London Cyclist, London, 09/03/2010 12:58
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A license to kill pedestrians, this is!

- Chaz, London, UK, 09/03/2010 12:55
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