> Many (not all) cyclists seem to think that they are exempt from traffic laws just because they're not in a car.
But, at the same time, many (not all) motorists seem to think that they are exempt from traffic laws just because they're in a car.
I could walk to the nearest junction (~5 minutes from here) and find 20 cars jumping red lights, blocking a junction without a clear exit, randomly changing lanes, blocking a pedestrian crossing when it's green, etc. in 5 minutes of watching. And that's one junction on a semi-major road which is probably 10 miles of solid traffic in peak time.
The difference between the cyclist and motorist is these scenarios is that while both are dangerous and stupid, the motorist at least has the innate protection of the vehicle in case of an accident.
The cyclist has a helmet and if they're really lucky some Kevlar sewn into their gear.
In a collision 1 ton vehicle vs a couple hundred pounds of flesh and whatever the bike is made of, the 1 ton vehicle almost always wins.
Given the risk profile of cyclist versus vehicle you'd think that cyclists would be a bit more aware of their surroundings.
> Given the risk profile of cyclist versus vehicle you'd think that cyclists would be a bit more aware of their surroundings.
Given how dangerous a car is and how much disproportionate damage they can do to the people and property around them, you'd think that drivers would be a bit more aware of their surroundings.
But, at the same time, many (not all) motorists seem to think that they are exempt from traffic laws just because they're in a car.
I could walk to the nearest junction (~5 minutes from here) and find 20 cars jumping red lights, blocking a junction without a clear exit, randomly changing lanes, blocking a pedestrian crossing when it's green, etc. in 5 minutes of watching. And that's one junction on a semi-major road which is probably 10 miles of solid traffic in peak time.