On the subject of London's roads

Saturday 16th of November 2013

There's been a lot of debate this week over cycling in London following the deaths of five cyclists in nine days. I originally wrote this some time ago and hadn't got around to posting it, but now seems like an appropriate moment. The problem, as with many problems, is that while accusations can be levelled at various parties there is no single answer to the question of how to make cycling safe.

There's a lot of people in London and I think it would help us all if we bear in mind a few things that the average traveller might not be aware of.

1. Pedestrians do not automatically have right of way in all situations.
2. Cyclists do not automatically have right of way in all situations.
3. Motorcycles and mopeds do not automatically have right of way in all situations.
4. Cars do not automatically have right of way in all situations.
5. Taxis do not automatically have right of way in all situations.
6. Buses do not automatically have right of way in all situations.

Now for some more specific advice. Please skip to the section that is relevant to you.

Pedestrians

Looking at your phone while you're still walking is going to get you killed.

You can cross when your light is red, but if you do, please don't be surprised if you get yelled at or nearly run over. In that situation, your natural response will be one of anger and retaliation, but before you get angry at someone else remember that if you have a red light it probably means they had a green one, so any accident or near miss is actually your fault, not theirs.

This one is less obvious - if it's dark, and you're wearing dark clothing (as is generally the fashion in winter) you are actually almost invisible.

Also - and this is really obvious, but apparently it still needs to be said - look both ways before you cross. Actually in a lot of cases it'd be good if you could look at all before stepping out, but both ways is the ideal here.

Cyclists

Red lights apply to you. Also one way streets, road markings, rights of way... actually most of the highway code.

Also, if you do stop at lights, maybe do it not so far forward so you can't see the lights when they change. The other thing to bear in mind at junctions is that stopping ahead of other cyclists who are already waiting means you're in their way when they want to leave. You might find that those cyclists are much faster than you. So then imagine how annoying it must be for all the cars you do this to at every junction, who definitely are quicker than you. Maybe sometimes try not pushing to the front of the queue?

All of these reasons are why some car drivers hate cyclists. If we all rode a bit more considerately maybe there would be less of a war going on.

Motorcyclists and mopeds

Please realise that you're not cyclists and can't fit in all the tiny spaces you see ahead of you. It seems like you should be able to slip through any traffic but you really can't. Also, when you roar past cyclists at full throttle leaving enough space to fit a credit card between your elbows, that's pretty scary. Stop doing that.

Cars

Just... I don't know. Try another form of transport maybe.

Taxis

Apparently you are allowed to stop to load and unload passengers on double yellow lines. Bear in mind though, it can be quite surprising if you do it suddenly and without indicating, which a lot of you seem to do. Also, and this may sound unbelievable, but sometimes you drive in a way that is inconsiderate and dangerous. It's not always other people.

Buses

You're doing okay, apart from the light jumping. Keep remembering to signal.

Further reading

A guide to rights of way and other useful information can be found here. Road marking details with pictures can be found here.

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