In article , junk@ardo-howe.co.uk
(Brian G) wrote:

> Ben C wrote:
> 
> > 
> > Everyone launching forwards at a green light is one of the most
> > dangerous places to be. Think of the first corner carnage of a 
> > grand prix.
> > 
> > In particular cyclists who don't filter to the front and get out 
> > of the
> > way can easily be hit by HGVs and things clipping the kerb a bit 
> > as they
> > turn left. That's a very nasty accident to have.
> > 
> > The best thing to do is to filter right to the front, get well 
> > clear of
> > the cars so they can all see you, and get off in good time ahead 
> > of them
> > so you aren't caught up in the charge.
> > 
> 
> 
> I can only assume this is a major city thing, or a south Britain 
> thing.   

It's just an excuse contrived by people who lack patience and
consideration for others, much like drivers who squeeze past a cyclist in
order to get to a red light first.

> Here in Scotland I can't recall ever having a problem 
> taking and keeping my place in the queue at traffic lights.  A 
> bicycle is quite fast enough from a standing start to keep its 
> place until well through the lights by which time normal lane 
> positioning and overtaking can proceed.  I suppose this may not be 
> the case where lights are set to long phases, ie, where a bicycle 
> might be a couple of dozen places back in the queue, but most of 
> our local lights permit the passage of only a dozen or so vehicles.

On 2008-07-06, Terry  wrote:
> In article , junk@ardo-howe.co.uk
> (Brian G) wrote:
>
>> Ben C wrote:
>> 
>> > 
>> > Everyone launching forwards at a green light is one of the most
>> > dangerous places to be. Think of the first corner carnage of a 
>> > grand prix.
>> > 
>> > In particular cyclists who don't filter to the front and get out 
>> > of the
>> > way can easily be hit by HGVs and things clipping the kerb a bit 
>> > as they
>> > turn left. That's a very nasty accident to have.
>> > 
>> > The best thing to do is to filter right to the front, get well 
>> > clear of
>> > the cars so they can all see you, and get off in good time ahead 
>> > of them
>> > so you aren't caught up in the charge.
>> > 
>> 
>> 
>> I can only assume this is a major city thing, or a south Britain 
>> thing.   
>
> It's just an excuse contrived by people who lack patience and
> consideration for others, much like drivers who squeeze past a cyclist in
> order to get to a red light first.

But how exactly does it hurt anyone to filter up through the traffic on
a bike and nip through the lights (only when safe, obviously, as I
said)?

You're getting out of the cars' way and getting home quicker. Who loses?