If you are riding in and around cities you will be than familiar with traffic lights. You’ll probably spend a fair amount of time stopped, looking at them and waiting for them to change. They’re also somewhere hazards lurk…
As you ride towards traffic lights you will no doubt be aware if they are green, amber or red. And, the longer they’ve been green, the more likely they are to change.
First, let’s agree that you are supposed to stop on amber if it is safe for you to do so. Amber is not a signal to speed up and beat the red. What makes it safe to stop? As I approach the lights I like to know what’s behind me, and how far behind. If someone is tailgating its a pretty safe bet they don’t expect you to stop. If I can stop without heavy braking I’ll check the mirror and apply the brakes.
Dangers from stopping
Lights that are changing present several dangers. The guy behind you that thinks provided he crosses the white line before the lights turn red it is perfectly acceptable. The car coming from the other direction and wants to cross in front of you before the light turns red. The car on the turn left any time with care (in Australia) who assumes you are going to stop and so pulls out in front of you.
These all need to be managed but are somewhat predictable so you can watch for them.
Dangers from being stopped
Being stopped at the lights can be a hazard.
How do you know the car bearing down on you has seen you? The driver might be looking at their phone, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or otherwise distracted.
I stay in gear until several cars have stopped behind me before selecting neutral. If the road is lonely, and I’m in neutral, I’ll select first until the approaching car has stopped. Be prepared to move out of their way.
In colder conditions your visor might start to fog up. I like to open mine, even just slightly, after selecting neutral. And, if its real cold, I’ll put my hands by the motor to try to warm them up a bit.
Dangers from taking off
You guessed it, you’re in danger when you take off. If you stall, you run the risk of the car behind running into you. If you are turning a corner the driver behind might be looking down the road and not realise if you have to stop suddenly. And yes, the risk of someone running a red light.
I like to look both ways before entering an intersection, particularly if the lights have just changed in my favour.
Lane filtering
The elephant in the room. If you are a car driver.
Lane filtering is a relatively safe practice and it is legal in some states. Even if it is legal it can be limited to full licence holders.
I lane filter. I won’t do it when traffic is moving, and I only do it in first. I watch out for car drivers who see you coming and try to close up the gap. I acknowledge drivers who see you coming and make room.
I never lane filter if the traffic flow is going through a change of direction, typically a right hand turn in Australia, with a turning arrow. Too many drivers have no idea of how to negotiate a turn and wander out of their lane.
When I filter I like to get a clean take off and be well in front of the cars at the front of the line. I’m not holding them up so they’re less likely to be pissed off.
Yep. Traffic lights are a dangerous place but you know where they are and some of the things to expect. That allows you to think and plan.