I don't stop at red lights

I do not stop at red lights when cycling.

There’s one of three things I do. I either go straight over; jump onto the pavement and straight off onto the next road; or I dismount and walk to the next road and re-join traffic. But I do not stop.

It was Sunday morning. There were no cars about. I took a look around as I approached the lights, and I carried straight over without a care in the world. I spoke it over. I concluded, only a fool would stop on red on a bike with no cars around.

Brad in the balance between red and green at a temporary traffic light stop

Legally, one should. But there’s a difference between codes and what happens in the real world. Why would anyone in their right mind stop? I wouldn’t go over with traffic passing. That, too, would be foolish.

The UK Highway Code, states: “At traffic light junctions and at cycle-only crossings with traffic lights, you MUST NOT cross the stop line when the traffic lights are red (Highway Code Rule 71).

“Some junctions have an advanced stop line to enable you to position yourself ahead of other traffic and wait (see Rule 178).”

A group of cyclists in Central London

I knew this anyway, but I still go over. I would think myself a pillock if I were to stop at red first thing Sunday morning on empty roads. It’s not very often I am up early enough on a Sunday morning, anyway. I’m usually filling my face with meat. You can’t beat a sausage and egg sandwich and a cup of coffee. Ooooo bootiful.

Rule 64 is an interesting rule. It states one “must not cycle on the pavement.” I’ve bollocked many a cyclist for darting past me when I’m walking. I don’t mind if they’re cycling slowly and considerately to other pedestrians, but if they come past at speed, that bothers me. One false move could result in injury to both parties.

I cycle on the pavements, too. But I’m not a hypocrite. I make sure the cycling is slow and safe. Nobody has any problem with it. I’ve never been challenged. I put it down to the fact, I ride safely. Big manoeuvres are important to show the other party where you’re going. The worst thing you can experience is hesitancy. The person in front moves in your direction as do you. Then you both move back in the same. Emergency stops are required to avoid a collision.

A female cyclist on an orange bike, riding along Waterloo Bridge, London

You cannot beat a good horse, clopping along the tarmac. It will put at least five minutes onto your journey. Cars, you can be sure, will be coming the other way and seem to appear out of nowhere. Where was all this traffic five minutes ago?!

“When riding in places where sharing with pedestrians, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles is permitted, take care when passing pedestrians and horse riders, especially children, older adults or disabled people.

“Slow down when necessary and let them know you are there; for example, by ringing your bell (it is recommended that a bell is fitted to your bike), or by calling out politely.

“Remember that pedestrians may be deaf, blind or partially sighted and that this may not be obvious.

“Do not pass pedestrians, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles closely or at high speed, particularly from behind. You should not pass a horse on their left. Remember that horses can be startled if passed without warning. Always be prepared to slow down and stop when necessary. (Rule 63).”

Bike docking station on Great Cumberland Place, London

I feel the code does take its position too far. It seems to be grabbing you by the throat in points, with you up the wall, as it screams in your face; either that, or you’re receiving a lecture off a matron type auntie to which you just want to tell her to shut the fuck up!

“You should avoid clothes that may get tangled in the chain, or in a wheel or may obscure your lights when you are cycling.

“Light-coloured or fluorescent clothing can help other road users to see you in daylight and poor light, while reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm or ankle bands) can increase your visibility in the dark.

“You should wear a cycle helmet that conforms to current regulations, is the correct size and securely fastened. Evidence suggests that a correctly fitted helmet will reduce your risk of sustaining a head injury in certain circumstances.”

I will never allow anyone to tell me how to dress. If somebody starts telling you how to dress, do yourself a favour and make sure you tell them to fuck off, immediately. If you don’t, you’re done for. You are telling the other person you’re okay with becoming a living doll. Fuck that.

They’re probably making sense, but it’s not on to be told how to dress and up to the individual to consequence their dress. If you wrap your entire body in bog roll and enter an airport, you are probably going to get spoken to by cops; if you wear long gowns with straps, they’re likely to get caught in the chain and you’re probably going to go flying.

But it’s up to the person to experience this, so they don’t do it again and if they do…

…I’m already thirty yards down the road, don’t worry.

If I saw a cycling holding onto the back of a moving bus while chilling on the peddles, I would smile, but the Highway Code, doesn’t like it. “You must not hold onto a moving vehicle or trailer. You must not carry a passenger unless your cycle has been built or adapted to carry one.

You must not ride in a dangerous, careless or inconsiderate manner or ride when under the influence of drink or drugs, including medicine.”

I genuinely think I’m correct when I guess, I don’t think there is anyone alive, who before taking their bike out will ensure they comply with absolutely everything in the Highway Code. Most use common sense. There are rules in there, people won’t even know, but they ensure they ride safely and don’t pose a risk to anyone else. It’s these that get left alone, even if you go over on red.