Simeon Brody
Today I cycled into York to collect my regular compostable materials pick-up (never call it 'waste' as it's a resource for recycling into a valuable soil improver!) which I do three times a week, whatever the weather. At the first set of traffic lights, a cyclist in front of me cycled straight through the red light, and this riles me for a number of reasons. Every cyclist is someone's child and someone loves them, and would be gutted if they were injured or killed. If there was a collision, their actions could ruin someone elses life as 'innocent' drivers suffer shock if they injure or kill someone. A severe accident would put an extra drain on the NHS and other services. Finally, of course, the minority of thoughtless cyclists give us all a bad name.
In my early 20's, I was cycling to work one morning, well before the rush hour, and I jumped a red light as the road appeared empty and safe. But the road wasn't empty and within a minute a police car drew up alongside me and I recieved a stern telling off, and was eventually fined. Since then I have been careful not to break the law by cycling through red lights. However I have, on occasions, hopped off and walked my bike over, but this is allowable as I become a pedestrian, and they have the right of way almost wherever they are!
So back to the silly cyclist who ignored the red light... as soon as the lights went green, I accelerated away and caught up with the young man, and gave him a bit of a fright by speaking to him. I told him that going through a red light was illegal and dangerous. He looked suprised by my saying this, then defensive, saying "What's it to you?" I managed to concisely get my various messages accross, including a great response to "You're not my Dad" which was "I wish I was", and cycled swiftly on, not looking back. I always feel exhilerated after this kind of exchange, and feel I might have done something worthwhile. But there's a risk, as sometimes the wrongdoer is angry with my interferance. They may be right that it's none of my business, and the risk is that I'll get more than rude words in response. However I find I cannot help reacting to these situations in this way, and I feel the small risk of being attacked is worth taking.
There is a campaign about this issue, run by staff at my favourite bike shop 'Cycle Heaven', called 'Stop at Red' which invites cyclists to pledge to obey the traffic lights. I have signed this, but not bought the tee-shirt!
My 'Green tip of the week' is twofold. If you cycle, sign up to 'Stop at Red', and remember, someone loves you. If you drive, don't go through junctions too fast as you may hit a cyclist (or even another motor vehicle) which hasn't stopped at red. If you go slower, you will have more time to react. Speed kills, and nobody deserves to die this way.
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