Caught on the wrong side of the law
Well it finally happened, cycling through a red light, past bank tube stop on a cold summers day (it is England after all) I was caught by the police. Grabbing me as I cycled past P.C. I Have Had A Bad Day and I’m Going to Take it Out on You or whatever his name was, I was pulled off my bike.
At first I thought it was someone trying to hijack my bike but when I realised it was a police officer I glared “Yes, officer”. This served only to anger more the man of the law who proceeded to tell me the obvious. I had gone through a red light and that upset him.
Thinking up excuses as I grabbed a few short breaths I suggested the light was orange when I went through and why was I the only cyclist to be caught out of the two of us that went through the light.
The police man was having none of it. I paid my fine and learnt an important lesson – next time I will check for police before skipping a red light.
With a recent article stating that cycling down a one way street may be given the OK for cyclists could this one day extend to red/orange lights?
If any of London Cyclists’ readers have been caught by the police for anything I would love to hear from them, please leave a comment…
Image courtesy of: DannyMcL
A newsletter for London CyclistsIf you are a commuter or leisure cyclist then you can now keep up to date with our new London Cyclist Blog newsletter. You will get a weekly roundup as well as additional exclusive content. |
I got stopped for the same thing, at the same place last week. What surprised me was that the were pointing in the opposite direction, pulled a u-turn, and followed me jumping 2 further lights…
Early evening riding back to Battersea from Regent’s Park – through red light, very slowly, after having stopped and checked there was nothing coming. Red police car – very angry officers, didn’t get out of car, told me off, patronised me, I apologised and left – no fine.
I really don’t think the police know how to cope with cyclists skipping the light. I would think in most situations you would be able to get away with a caution. Thanks for your comments guys – Tim that’s very funny that we both got caught in the same place!
I just posted my experience this morning.
I don’t cross at red lights but I was still told off for crossing a road when it was green for pedestrians (albeit on the road bit not interfering with them walking) as it’s a dangerous and crazy idea to try to turn right there with plenty of cars behind you going straight. He knew I stopped at all other red lights/took the green lights for cars, still he was rather rude. Had to argue my way out of it!!
The best thing is he said he has never seen any altercations between drivers and cyclists at such corners although he cycles 8 hours a day!! Well, I only cycle for 1.5 hours a day but have done so for 3.5 years and I have seen plenty. There just is no support from the police or the law whatsoever. I will write to the ones responsible but I know it won’t change a thing.
What a pity you weren’t banged up.
Writing as a pedestrian who obeys traffic lights & the rules of the road in general, I fucking hate London cyclists. What makes you think you should have the right to jump lights?
I am a cyclist commuting in to the City every day and there is no need for anyone to jump lights. People who do are just being cunts and endangering pedestrians.
Great picture by the way – It is one of mine.
Danny McL