Simon Jenkins is right that traffic rules can feel bureaucratic, but using Hans Monderman’s “shared space” to justify running red lights misses the entire point of Monderman’s philosophy (I’ll admit it: I’ve cycled through red lights. But Britain’s traffic laws are to blame, not me, 21 August).
Monderman didn’t champion anarchy so individuals could cherrypick which laws to follow; he suggested infrastructure be removed precisely to force collective cooperation, eye contact and mutual caution.
The moment cyclists ignore that negotiation process while vulnerable pedestrians are left unprotected, the delicate psychological balance collapses. Freedom without universal accountability isn’t shared space. It is just a system that rewards the most aggressive road user.
That is precisely why high-profile implementations like London’s Exhibition Road faced a fierce backlash and were reversed, and why the UK government eventually halted new level-surface shared-space projects: when compliance breaks down, it is blind and elderly people, and vulnerable pedestrians, who pay the price for an idealised view of human nature.
Gary Ogin
London
As a lifelong cyclist may I point out an alternative view to that of Simon Jenkins? I don’t mind red lights; they offer unplanned fartlek opportunities on a training ride, skill development in maintaining a track stand for an unpredictable length of time, and stomp intervals in getting away from them. And if I’m knackered, a nice unplanned rest and chance to take a drink. I’m not sure Jenkins’ anarchic behaviour and justification for it does much to help the case of cyclists.
Peter Anderson
Barwick-in-Elmet, West Yorkshire
I ride a bike and a motorbike, and drive a car, and on all three I stop at red lights. Cyclists who ignore traffic lights contribute to the growing antagonism towards the rest of us. Simon Jenkins should know better.
Edward Collier
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Four years ago, aged 83, I was knocked down by a young man on a bike. Damaged wrist. He rode away quickly after making sure I wasn’t dead. April this year, aged 87, I was knocked down on a pedestrian crossing by a black ebike. Deep wound on leg, police, ambulance, hospital. Four months later, the leg is still being treated. The rider rode off after making sure I wasn’t dead. Shame on you, Simon Jenkins.
Joan Grabham
Cambridge
