[masraum]

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

I didn't really get the impression that the cyclist was going to try to blow the red light. He was timing it like he was just trying to anticipate the green and be at the front of the line when the light turned. Everything would have worked out fine, if no one had been turning.

Except, well, this really is one of those habits that many cyclists display that, while it usually neither harms nor inconveniences anyone, can be a real annoyance to drivers. I can see doing it in city traffic, where cyclists "filter" towards the front at stop lights, stop signs, and the like. I have travelled in plenty of countries where motorcyclists do the same thing, and where it is actually expected of both. They have to realize, however, that if they choose to do this, they have no special rights beyond those of the motor vehicle traffic with whom they "share the road". And, more importantly, in any kind of a "territorial dispute", that "size matters". They are simply gonna lose.

If I'm riding (not any more, so past tense would be more correct) and there are NO cars at an intersection and I can see far enough in all directions to know that it's safe, I'll blow through it without stopping. But if there are cars around, I proceed (or stop) as if I'm about to take a tiddlywink to a gun fight.

It sounds like this guy is a moron. Fortunately, for everyone at the light, that isn't past tense.