The Times reports today that a Nextbase (a dashcam company) research study found that more than half e-bike riders failed to stop at red lights. East Sheen and Mortlake residents might think that is a conservative estimate by local standards.

Perhaps the most worrying aspect of the research is that numbers have increased from 45 % to 54 % since a similar study last year. But that is not surprising. Accustomisation to law-breaking and lack of enforcement of the law create a culture where it becomes acceptable.

City of London Police figures for April 2025 to March 2026 show that they issued 1315 fixed penalty notices for cyclists going through red lights, compared to 643 in the same period the previous financial year.  Locally the police have persistently said that they cannot enforce the law. See for example the Police Liaison Group minutes published on 15 March 2026. https://childlawobserver10.com/2026/03/15/east-sheen-police-liaison-group-summary-minutes/

Which is worse – running the red light or cycling on the pavement? Both illegal of course.

At least if you as a pedestrian are crossing when you are advised it is safe to do so, you will be aware that you are on a road where there is traffic.

How much worse is it when you are walking along the pavement where you believe yourself to be entirely safe, only to find you are faced with a cyclist coming straight at you or suddenly arriving close behind you.

Research on pavement cycling: that would be interesting.