Why bicyclists should stop for red lights

You see many bicyclists habitually ignoring traffic lights. Of course lots of motorists violate red lights too, but not quite so brazenly as bicyclists. Some bicyclists argue that they should not obey traffic lights. Let's recall what the traffic signals mean:

Red Do not enter the intersection (the stop line determines where the intersection begins).

Yellow Fair warning that red is coming: stop if you are able to before entering the intersection, continue if you've already crossed the stop line.

Green Wait for traffic to clear the intersection on a new green. Yield to pedestrians when turning.

Here's why you should obey these rules:

1. It's the law. You could get a ticket.

2. You're much safer. Bicyclists who ignore traffic signals may get away with it most of the time, but they're taking a big risk.

3. You increase the esteem of bicyclists in the public eye by looking like a responsible road user.

4. You get a chance to catch your breath.

5. If you ignore red lights when you bike, pretty soon you will be doing it when you drive.

6. If someone hits you it will be completely their fault and you will have a much better chance at getting compensation for any medical expenses and bike repair.

7. If you're waiting for a gap in traffic instead of watching the traffic light you may end up waiting longer! Light cycles are usually very short. Traffic engineers don't like to keep motorists waiting more than about a minute (but pedestrians often have to wait longer).

If you are a bicyclist who is used to ignoring traffic signals, try obeying them rigorously for two weeks. Give it a try.  Then write us and tell us how the experiment went.

TIP: Learn to downshift every time you anticipate stopping so that you can start again rapidly and smoothly.

TIP: If you're going straight and there's no right-turn lane, make sure to take your place in the line of traffic waiting for the light (see traffic cycling tips).

You might have to go through on red when the traffic signal doesn't detect you. See the section on loop detectors.

Riding in Traffic
Traffic Basics
Obey Your Signals
Don't Get Doored
Road Hazards
Make It Turn Green
Stay Away from Trucks
Use Lights at Night