Safest way to run red lights
10-09-09, 02:16 AM
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Safest way to run red lights
I think Joey's video pretty much sums everything up nicely. Even before watching his video, I've used the same techniques. It's an art that can't be taught by books. You just have to do it and get a feel for it.
For those of us who run red lights regularly (I'm assuming most of you will be urban/city riders), what other tips do have to offer?
EDIT: If you're going to say "STOP RUNNING RED LIGHTS", here's my advice: See that little X on the upper right hand corner? Use your mouse to put that little arrow there and click on it.
I'll start: I have a good one....
- Always have ear buds in your ear while you ride. Always!
I almost always listen to my ipod when I ride. It's on low enough so I can hear a car coming behind me. It helps me with the constant wind noise. I never take them off (even when my ipod isn't turned on). Why?
I've had experiences where police officers tried to pull me over (for running red lights while almost running pedestrians over). Some were traffic cops (without guns), most were in vehicles (mostly an automobile). Some were in these three wheelers
A few months ago, Mayor Bloomberg decided to go on a red light ticketing by all three lower east river crossings (Manhattan, Brooklyn & Williamburg Bridges). During that time period, I was caught (running reds) over 5 times. In each occurance, I ran.....cutting through the park and eventually down a wrong way street onto the sidewalk.
I never EVER look back when they had the siren on or when they screamed for me to pull over. If they ever catch me, I could say my earbuds are sound insulated (which they are) and I didn't hear them.
I rather take a red light / headphone ticket over a "running from the cop" ticket.
Obviously, you can't use this excuse if you live in a suburban or rural area......they'll just pull up right next to you (and will probably attempt the "PIT" maneuver) if you still don't want to pull over.
So....for you regular red light runners, what safety tips do you have to share?
Here's a video of my riding style: https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=147718806641
For those of us who run red lights regularly (I'm assuming most of you will be urban/city riders), what other tips do have to offer?
EDIT: If you're going to say "STOP RUNNING RED LIGHTS", here's my advice: See that little X on the upper right hand corner? Use your mouse to put that little arrow there and click on it.
I'll start: I have a good one....
- Always have ear buds in your ear while you ride. Always!
I almost always listen to my ipod when I ride. It's on low enough so I can hear a car coming behind me. It helps me with the constant wind noise. I never take them off (even when my ipod isn't turned on). Why?
I've had experiences where police officers tried to pull me over (for running red lights while almost running pedestrians over). Some were traffic cops (without guns), most were in vehicles (mostly an automobile). Some were in these three wheelers
A few months ago, Mayor Bloomberg decided to go on a red light ticketing by all three lower east river crossings (Manhattan, Brooklyn & Williamburg Bridges). During that time period, I was caught (running reds) over 5 times. In each occurance, I ran.....cutting through the park and eventually down a wrong way street onto the sidewalk.
I never EVER look back when they had the siren on or when they screamed for me to pull over. If they ever catch me, I could say my earbuds are sound insulated (which they are) and I didn't hear them.
I rather take a red light / headphone ticket over a "running from the cop" ticket.
Obviously, you can't use this excuse if you live in a suburban or rural area......they'll just pull up right next to you (and will probably attempt the "PIT" maneuver) if you still don't want to pull over.
So....for you regular red light runners, what safety tips do you have to share?
Here's a video of my riding style: https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=147718806641
Last edited by Mr_Fred; 10-09-09 at 02:51 AM.
10-09-09, 02:46 AM
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10-09-09, 02:49 AM
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That's nice. But that's not the type of advice I'm asking you for. I'm asking for advice on techniques to run red lights in a safe manner.
This is MY justification of running red lights:
My round trip commute is about 19 miles. There are roughly 20 intersections in ONE mile (placed 250 - 300ft apart). Each intersection is equipped with a traffic light. On a conservative estimate, I pass about 350 traffic lights on a daily basis on my commute. If I stop and wait for each red light to turn green, my commute would be twice as long (and I'll be twice as tired).
This is MY justification of running red lights:
My round trip commute is about 19 miles. There are roughly 20 intersections in ONE mile (placed 250 - 300ft apart). Each intersection is equipped with a traffic light. On a conservative estimate, I pass about 350 traffic lights on a daily basis on my commute. If I stop and wait for each red light to turn green, my commute would be twice as long (and I'll be twice as tired).
10-09-09, 03:01 AM
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I'm not interested in how long your commute is. You think laws are to be followed only when they are convenient for you? You are endangering yourself and everyone else on the road. Morever, you are making things difficult for the rest of us. We already have an image problem and you are not helping.
10-09-09, 03:05 AM
#6
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I've had experiences where police officers tried to pull me over (for running red lights while almost running pedestrians over).
You need to stay off the road. You are clearly a menace. I am sorry they were not able to catch you.
You need to stay off the road. You are clearly a menace. I am sorry they were not able to catch you.
10-09-09, 03:14 AM
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You have your opinions. I have mine. You want to follow the law at times....I don't. End of story. This thread isn't "why is it bad to run red lights?". If you'd like to participate in a thread like that, create one and enjoy.
This thread is for regular red light runners to share tips on safety techniques.
If you don't run red lights, you really have nothing valuable to contribute to this particular thread. Sorry.
I'm going to be called out for trolling when my intentions aren't trollish. I'm not going to respond to any comments about the moral issue of running red lights. I'm not looking to debate or argue.
Let's keep this thread on topic. Please.
This thread is for regular red light runners to share tips on safety techniques.
If you don't run red lights, you really have nothing valuable to contribute to this particular thread. Sorry.
I'm going to be called out for trolling when my intentions aren't trollish. I'm not going to respond to any comments about the moral issue of running red lights. I'm not looking to debate or argue.
Let's keep this thread on topic. Please.
Last edited by Mr_Fred; 10-09-09 at 03:20 AM.
