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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Why do some drivers stop in blue cycle boxes at traffic lights

89 replies

microfight · 19/06/2011 17:27

I was just wondering why some drivers stop in cycle blue boxes at traffic lights and seem to totally ignore that they are there for a reason thus making it more dangerous for cyclists to cycle?

OP posts:

WhereYouLeftIt · 20/06/2011 10:44

How can it be your mid-life crisis car AND you don't need to prove anything? Isn't a mid'life crisis anything down to the mid-lifer trying to prove to the world that "they've still got it" or some such other neediness?

And you do sound like a complete arse CurlyBoy, and I quote -

The number of times I have come around a blind bend at speed
1. Because there's never a cyclist in it. (that would be because they reach there whilst we drivers are sitting on the red. That's how it's meant to work.)
Yes, I AM the twat in the hot hatch driving an inch from your handlebar. It's probably because there is a lorry coming the other way and I can't be bothered giving you more room.
I like to drive in an assertive way, usually like I've just stolen it. (Contradicting your earlier assertion that you like to follow the highway code.)

You are probably just here to try and wind people up, and many of us enjoy this, but could you at least try harder to follow the house rules and be witty and not merely sarcastic?

CurlyBoy · 20/06/2011 12:01

The only neediness I have WhereYouLeftIt is the need for speed. I've never owned a fast car as I couldn't afford it. I AM trying to relive my youth of dreaming of fast cars. I am NOT just trying to wind people up, but I have to admit it's pretty easy with cyclists. Sorry I'm not witty enough for you, I'll try harder. True, I am a bit anal about the highway code except where speed is concerned. I know it's not right but we all have our faults.

Back to the OP though I still feel the biggest reason drivers as a whole don't respect cyclists (and I mean motorcyclists too) is that they as a whole don't respect the rules of the road. If more drivers saw cyclists obeying the same rules they do then maybe they'd get the respect and room they desire. I really don't believe they belong on the road unless there is a cycle lane.

BsshBossh · 20/06/2011 12:28

OMG, in my experience 99% of cyclists here in London run red lights! I am always more wary of cyclists when crossing a road at the traffic lights with my DD (3) walking beside me than of cars and lorries and vans who 99% of the time STOP! I actually thanked one cyclist for stopping at a red light as I crossed because it was so rare.

And there's this game in London some cyclists do where they are racing to beat other cyclists as well as their "best time".

Unbelievable.

MynamesMikeIswimlikeafish · 20/06/2011 12:32

CurlyBoy - you have the typical twattish attitude to cyclists.

That's twice in two days I've posted that.

There's a lot of it about

MrsBethel · 20/06/2011 12:34

Round my way some of the traffic lights are on amber for like a millisecond. Some drivers just manage to stop in the cycle box. The rest get fined.

MynamesMikeIswimlikeafish · 20/06/2011 12:34

'drivers as a whole don't respect cyclists (and I mean motorcyclists too) is that they as a whole don't respect the rules of the road'

What you mean like the drivers who speed, talk on their mobiles, have no tax/insurance/MOT/licence?

People in glass houses (especially those who drive hot hatches ) shouldn't throw stones.

CurlyBoy · 20/06/2011 13:26

I don't live in a glass house, it just has a few windows.

Yes, I DO speed but I also NEVER talk on my mobile and HAVE tax/insurance/MOT/and licence. I also have no points on that licence and never have. Is it alright if I throw stones now?

MynamesMikeIswimlikeafish · 20/06/2011 14:15

No it isn't. You've admitted to not obeying the rules of the road so are as bad (and a whole lot more dangerous) than the cyclists you deem to be a menace.

It's not that difficult to grasp is it? Even for a hot hatch driver.

CurlyBoy · 20/06/2011 14:34

That's my point, it's DANGEROUS out there.

Lol. Ok. I'll agree we're BOTH menaces and leave it that. At least I have a nice metal cocoon around me and not lycra.

See you on the roads! :)

MynamesMikeIswimlikeafish · 20/06/2011 14:35

Not if I see you first!

MynamesMikeIswimlikeafish · 20/06/2011 14:36

Oh and I don't do lycra. i don't need to encourage drivers to knock me off!

ivykaty44 · 20/06/2011 14:42

I just thought they where having identity crisis and really really thought that if they get into the box they may well change into a cycle - is this not the case

i often gently pat cars that sit and wait in these boxes and smile sweetly to their drivers, give them a little wave as they may be feeling very insecure

paisleyII · 20/06/2011 19:14

gwendo - i am in london too, south london, especially barnes/wimbledon area, MAJOR cyclist area, and i NEVER see one stop at a red light, NEVER and i see dozens of them early in the morning. my dh is an avid cyclist who always stops at the lights, he knows i'll have his knackers if he doesn't :) although he isn't the arrogant type who would go over a red light

paisleyII · 20/06/2011 19:19

micro - that's really funny, as i was reading this thread with the MN cyclists defending the cyclists, i was thinking about the MN dog owners standing up for their dogs!! i don't much care for cyclists or dog poo on the pavements, both are quite similar actually......although accept for dh of course :)

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