A “disturbing” new study has warned one in five cyclists, e-bike and e-scooter riders are ignoring red lights.
The research, conducted by dash cam company Nextbase, monitored the behaviour of more than 44,000 road users – including 7,500 cyclists – across 80 busy junctions in London, Manchester and Glasgow, according to the Times.
At Glasgow’s Clyde Street and Broomielaw junction, some 54% of bike and scooter riders ran red lights, while half did the same at London’s Oxford Circus.
The study pinpointed rental e-bike users, particularly those on Lime bikes, as the worst offenders, with 25% flouting signals, closely followed by 22% of food delivery riders.
Rod Dennis, RAC road safety spokesman, described the results of the study as “disturbing”.
He told Yahoo News: “Given red traffic lights are one of, if not the most important of all signals, it’s disturbing to see so many road users ignoring them.
“By running a red light, you’re putting yourself and others into huge danger and the potential consequences mean it’s never worth it. They’re there to keep everyone safe, so all road users should obey them at all times.”
Half of bike and scooter riders ran red lights at London’s Oxford Circus, according to the study. (PA/file pic)
Cyclists are fined for traffic violations like any other road user – and this can often be in areas with a higher pedestrian count or limited cycling infrastructure like dedicated lanes.
Cycling offences are typically enforced through fixed penalty notices (FPNs), which carry relatively modest fines but can have wider implications if escalated.
Jumping red lights, cycling on the pavement, or failing to use lights at night are among the more common offences.
However, enforcement varies dramatically by region, and some campaigners argue cyclists are being disproportionately penalised compared to motorists for similar behaviour.
What are the most common cycling offences?
According to data from the Metropolitan Police from 2023, over 4,000 cyclists in London received FPNs for jumping red lights.
The data showed that in the City of London alone, cyclists were fined for red light violations around 10 times more than motorists.
Another recent study by e-bike provider Lime found that over half (52%) of cyclists in London admitted to running red lights.
Cyclists running through a red light in Chelsea, London. (PA)
The survey also found that the vast majority (82%) of cyclists knew that running red lights was dangerous, while nearly three-quarters said that fewer accidents would occur if they stopped at lights.
Cycling on the pavement is illegal under the Highways Act 1835 (except where a shared-use path is designated), while cycling without lights after dark is a requirement under the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989.
What are the fines for cycling offences?
Cycling offences are typically dealt with using FPNs, which are issued on the spot and usually carry fines of £30 or £50. These do not result in penalty points on a driving licence, as cyclists are not required to have one.
Jumping a red light and cycling without lights after dark could both result in fines of up to £50, while cycling on the pavement could cost a cyclist £30 – but police are advised to use discretion when deciding whether to issue a fine or not.
Fixed penalty notices for cyclists are the most common form of punishment. (Getty)
Failure to stop for police could result in a prosecution if the matter is not resolved with a fine.
Cycling on a road or other public place while unfit through drink or drugs carries a fine up to £1,000.
However, police do not breathalyse cyclists for this and need to determine whether someone is under the influence to the extent that they are unable to control their bike, according to CyclIng UK.
Are there other punishments?
In general, FPNs are the most common and lowest-level punishment for cycling offences. However, more serious incidents – particularly those involving injury, dangerous cycling, or evasion – can result in formal charges.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, “dangerous cycling” or “careless cycling” are criminal offences and can lead to prosecution.
You cannot receive penalty points because of a cycling offence but courts do have the power to disqualify someone from driving without imposing penalty points for any offence – including a cycling offence.
Additionally, failure to pay fines can result in court action and additional costs.