Why can cyclists ignore signals etc

I totally agree, they seem to be a law unto themselves!

Hi, I agree that some cyclists can be frustrating on the road, and take stupid risks at junctions. However I would like to point out that I, like the majority of cyclists, also own a car ( often two) so we do pay towards the upkeep of the roads. The only time I ride through a red light is on a straight road with no traffic or pedestrians. At crossings, If there is traffic I stop behind a car and do not filter alongside them. I believe the vast majority of cyclists are respectful of other road users. 

Unfortunately it is the badly behaved small minority of any group that taints the rest. Having worked in Bristol for many years l heartily agree there are some two wheel terrorists who see it as their job to flaunt all and any rules of the road. It was heart warming too see police actually warning and fining light jumping and dangerous weaving offenders, unfortunately not very often. Still not much of a problem here in Camposol, too hot and hilly for us olduns.

I used  'Boris Bikes' for a few years in London, to travel from the mainline rail station to my office (wearing a suit !). I obeyed the rules of the road, but often saw members of the lycra brigade flouting them. Especially jumping red lights, which one should never do.

It was heartening at times to see the City of London' Police pulling them over and giving them the treatment.

That said, there were several occasions when cars, lorries and even once a bus, tried to intimidate me.

The mindset is not restricted to bike riders. There are many out there who completely disregard the law.

How many untaxed and / or uninsured cars are there out there?

Answer = A LOT !

With regard to untaxed uninsured drives of cars could not agree more I know of many uk reg vehicles never been back to uk in many years however the other day the police were taking numbers of vehicles uk reg parked and hopefully followed up with relevant questions but no insurance is a bad offence and can be bad for the person who they have an accident with. Bikes however should ride in single file have front and rear lights and keep to rules of the road 

I agree it is the minority of riders who disregard the law. I too wear lycra  - for comfort, certainly not looks, and I always obey lights etc. Cycling is dangerous enough without taking chances. I also pay road tax, insurance etc for my car.

That's the sort of post that made me want to leave England and get away from.   

I drive in the uk and cycle in spain. I don't wear lycra btw! I'm not in a hurry to get anywhere. I'm very careful. I stop at red lights. You need eyes in the back of your head when cycling in spain. Too many motorists do not stop when approaching a main road and often only look one way. When I use a cycle path on the left it can be very dangerous. Motorists zoom out of side roads. I rarely see anyone signal and some even drive the wrong way down one way streets! 

You are not alone, along with the hates you have described add cycle paths and lanes. At the side of the road from Campillo de Aruba to Fuente Alamo is a good cycle path, some cyclists use it but many don’t preferring to become an obstacle for cars and trucks. Woe be tide if these motor vehicles encroach onto a dedicated cycle lane, the miscreant is practically sentenced to a public hanging.