The Morality of Everyday Things: An Everyday Philosophy Podcast Here's why cyclists who skip red lights aren't bad people
Nov 10, 2021
Is skipping red lights on a bike morally wrong? The hosts delve into unexpected outcomes of traffic laws and how some regulations may unintentionally increase danger for cyclists. They discuss the Reverse Peltzman effect, highlighting that perceived risk can make cyclists more cautious. With real-life anecdotes and empirical studies, they examine how certain legal changes, like the Idaho stop, can enhance safety. Ultimately, they argue for a nuanced understanding of road rules that prioritize safety over rigid adherence.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Police Encounter Over A Red Light
- Anthony was stopped once by a police officer for running a red but was not fined and treated lightly by the officer.
- He rationalizes occasional violations by the savings and frequency of unpunished crossings in London.
Safety Laws Can Backfire
- The helmet law in Australia reduced cycling numbers and made roads less safe for remaining cyclists by lowering driver awareness.
- Seemingly safety-focused laws can create counterintuitive, harmful behavioral outcomes.
Junctions Pose The Biggest Cyclist Risk
- Junction collisions with heavy goods vehicles are the single most common type of cyclist fatality in London studies.
- Leaving a junction legally as a cyclist can be especially dangerous due to HGV blind spots and in-lane proximity.
