Originally Posted by electrik

Everybody has at least one problem intersection on their commute. Typically for me this is one very wide(6-8 lane) east/west cross-street. The side-street I take which is perpendicular to that street has unfortunately filled with aggressive "short cut" taking motorists. They're trying to beat the traffic on the large capacity cross-streets by detouring up my side-street to the next large capacity north/south road which runs parallel to my side-street.

My side-street is one lane each way only, it's narrow, misaligned and the green light at the major intersection is brief. Despite it being a 50km/h zone motorists regularly charge the stale light well in excess of the limit.

Any attempt to go with traffic results in intimidation, being passed in the middle of the intersection or simply a near death experience on the opposite side of the intersection when the stream of motorists suddenly realizes they can't squeeze between me and the oncoming car making a left(but decides they'll go for it anyways). Lately i've found the only way to make it across "safely" is to filter up and jump the red(cross while all 4 directions are amber/red or red). Life seems better, I'm usually clearly positioned on the opposite side of the intersection in a manner to make passing me impossible while i clear the oncoming traffic backup. Sure I can get a ticket and it does propagate negative stereotypes, but really things are so much better jumping the red at that light that I don't think I could go back to the old way.

Anybody else discover this? I can see why advanced greens for cyclists make such a difference.