royalflash
03-18-06, 12:42 PM
Just saw this on the BBC- it been discussed before but although stopping at red lights is the gold standard I am not convinced that it is a major problem in the grand scheme of things; a quick perusal of the death statistics will undoubtedly show that pedestrian deaths for cyclists running red lights is insignificant (maybe even non-existent) compared to deaths caused by our ever present motorised friends. As for promoting improved provision for cyclists; well it it like saying that if only pedestrians would always cross at pedestrian crossings that they would be rewarded with more pavements (sidewalks)
But lets not the facts spoil a good campaign:
from http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/actionnetwork/A10143091
Andy Shrimpton
Andy campaigns for safer cycling
Andy Shrimpton is part of a new campaign to encourage cyclists to Stop at Red. He wants to improve the public's perception of cyclists, so that they can push for better cycling provision.
Why not add your story to Action Network?
Over the last 13 years I've noticed a trend towards more cyclists misbehaving. Cyclists seem to be running red lights more. It used to be the odd idiot, but now it has become quite common. It is becoming socially acceptable.
Stop at Red aims to change people's behaviour. So far we've set up a website and invited cyclists to pledge to stop at red lights. We've already got over 600 pledges and that is just the start. I want every active cyclist to make the pledge. It isn't a petition – it is a public statement. It is about us taking responsibility.
Inspired by parents
In London it is getting so bad that pedestrians are getting hit. The Stop at Red campaign was inspired by parents in Lambeth who started campaigning after four school kids were run over by cyclists running red lights.
This isn't an anti-cycling campaign. The vast majority of cyclists are well behaved. We don't want to get things out of proportion. Cars are the real danger and what it is socially acceptable to do in a car is disgusting. But before we point the finger we have to get our own house in order. We can't raise issues politically unless the cycle community is making an effort.
Responsible cycling
Protesting at crossing
Parents protest at school crossing
I'm also the director of the Association of Cycle Traders, which represents independent bike shops around the country. My long term plan is to broaden the campaign out, to include an in store education programme about safe and responsible cycling so that when you sell a bike you also introduce a positive culture of cycling. That's what I believe it is all about. Let's get good vibes on the street.
We're getting a bad reputation as a collective because of a few cyclists. It is really becoming a problem – even at parties people ask if you're one of those cyclists who run red lights. It annoys everyone, apart from being dangerous and illegal.
Getting respect
I've got a lot of stick from hardcore activists saying the campaign will give cycling a bad name, but I think they're wrong. We're more likely to get respect from other road users if we behave responsibly.
Cyclists stop at red light
Cyclists kick off the campaign
If we're seen to be making an effort, politicians will feel more predisposed to improve our status. There are often quite good reasons why people run red lights. The road system isn't designed for cyclists and we're often treated as if we are vehicles. We need to change the system to let cycles go first.
Lest we forget, cycling is the best thing in the world. If you cycle to work you get all the exercise you need and you're bright and alert when you arrive. It is good for the environment and most importantly it is good for society and culture. When you put people in a car they're in a box and they get this sense of power and invulnerability. When you get on a bike and cycle in a friendly environment people can interact. People in cars don't have that contact and it leads to fragmentation in society.
But lets not the facts spoil a good campaign:
from http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/actionnetwork/A10143091
Andy Shrimpton
Andy campaigns for safer cycling
Andy Shrimpton is part of a new campaign to encourage cyclists to Stop at Red. He wants to improve the public's perception of cyclists, so that they can push for better cycling provision.
Why not add your story to Action Network?
Over the last 13 years I've noticed a trend towards more cyclists misbehaving. Cyclists seem to be running red lights more. It used to be the odd idiot, but now it has become quite common. It is becoming socially acceptable.
Stop at Red aims to change people's behaviour. So far we've set up a website and invited cyclists to pledge to stop at red lights. We've already got over 600 pledges and that is just the start. I want every active cyclist to make the pledge. It isn't a petition – it is a public statement. It is about us taking responsibility.
Inspired by parents
In London it is getting so bad that pedestrians are getting hit. The Stop at Red campaign was inspired by parents in Lambeth who started campaigning after four school kids were run over by cyclists running red lights.
This isn't an anti-cycling campaign. The vast majority of cyclists are well behaved. We don't want to get things out of proportion. Cars are the real danger and what it is socially acceptable to do in a car is disgusting. But before we point the finger we have to get our own house in order. We can't raise issues politically unless the cycle community is making an effort.
Responsible cycling
Protesting at crossing
Parents protest at school crossing
I'm also the director of the Association of Cycle Traders, which represents independent bike shops around the country. My long term plan is to broaden the campaign out, to include an in store education programme about safe and responsible cycling so that when you sell a bike you also introduce a positive culture of cycling. That's what I believe it is all about. Let's get good vibes on the street.
We're getting a bad reputation as a collective because of a few cyclists. It is really becoming a problem – even at parties people ask if you're one of those cyclists who run red lights. It annoys everyone, apart from being dangerous and illegal.
Getting respect
I've got a lot of stick from hardcore activists saying the campaign will give cycling a bad name, but I think they're wrong. We're more likely to get respect from other road users if we behave responsibly.
Cyclists stop at red light
Cyclists kick off the campaign
If we're seen to be making an effort, politicians will feel more predisposed to improve our status. There are often quite good reasons why people run red lights. The road system isn't designed for cyclists and we're often treated as if we are vehicles. We need to change the system to let cycles go first.
Lest we forget, cycling is the best thing in the world. If you cycle to work you get all the exercise you need and you're bright and alert when you arrive. It is good for the environment and most importantly it is good for society and culture. When you put people in a car they're in a box and they get this sense of power and invulnerability. When you get on a bike and cycle in a friendly environment people can interact. People in cars don't have that contact and it leads to fragmentation in society.