cycling in central london is far more insane that most of you know, if you dont cycle in oncomming traffic, overtake cars, ignore red lights, jump across pavements, you will never get out, you'll be there for days
I'd disagree with that personally.
I don't jump red lights or do any stupid stuff.
Yet I find the majority of people who do jump red lights tend to be the people who potter along over them, possibly cause a few pedestrians to have to move out the way, or a car to stop, yet I then just end up overtaking them again once the light has gone green. They have therefore gained nothing by jumping the red lights, because they aren't getting anywhere quicker than I have by obeying the lights.
The people who do jump red lights at great speed and get themselves into trouble are the messengers or people with a death wish. I've seen more than enough close calls to make you wonder why people really do such things at speed, I can sort of understand why Couriers do it, cause they get paid for it, and it's a dangerous job. Yet your average 'fakenger' on his way to work... is it really worth loosing your life or getting injured just to be at work on time? I don't think so.