A recent study has found that more than half of e-bike riders fail to stop at red lights at major junctions across the United Kingdom, with the rate increasing from 45 percent in 2025 to 54 percent in 2026. The research, conducted at 78 busy intersections in London, Manchester, and Glasgow, analyzed over 31,000 red-light interactions involving various types of riders during peak travel times.

The study observed personal e-bike users were more likely to run red lights compared to those using shared rental e-bikes from companies such as Lime, Voi, and Forest. Approximately 26 percent of the offences involved rented e-bikes, while the remainder were attributed to privately owned machines. E-scooter riders were also noted to break red lights, with violations rising from 20 percent last year to 24 percent this year, particularly in London. Pedal cyclists consistently exhibited red light violations at a rate of 19 percent, similar to the previous year, while delivery cyclists slightly exceeded this figure. Delivery mopeds showed lower violation rates, with only 8 percent running red lights.

Among the most hazardous locations identified were junctions in north London, where red-light running was particularly prevalent. For instance, at the intersection of Finsbury Park and Stroud Green Road, 86 percent of all bike riders—including rental and delivery riders—were observed disregarding red signals. Other notable high-risk junctions included Holloway Road and Drayton Park in north London, with a 75 percent violation rate, and Victoria Street and Vauxhall Bridge Road in central London. Of the top ten busiest or most dangerous crossings analyzed, eight were located in London.

The study was commissioned by Nextbase, a dashboard camera company, and included input from Bryn Brooker, the firm’s head of road safety. Brooker expressed concern regarding the rise in offences among rental bike users, suggesting factors such as lack of personal investment in the vehicle and financial pressure due to per-minute charges might contribute to unsafe behaviour. He noted that riders might intentionally avoid stopping at red lights to reduce ride costs, highlighting a possible link between rental pricing models and increased risk-taking. Brooker also pointed to a "herd mentality" effect, where one rider’s decision to run a red light often encourages others to do the same.

Cycling advocates offered additional perspectives on the findings. Simon Munk, head of campaigns at the London Cycling Campaign, condemned red-light violations but emphasized the broader context, arguing that poor junction design and traffic light phasing can provoke such behaviour. Munk called for consistent enforcement of traffic laws across all road users and better infrastructure that supports safe, lawful movement for cyclists and others.

In addition to cyclist behaviour, the study also noted an increase in motorists’ distraction rates at junctions, rising from 8 percent in 2025 to 11 percent in 2026, including use of mobile phones while stopped at red lights.

While running red lights by cyclists and e-bike riders is a criminal offence with potential fixed penalty fines, the growing trend highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring road safety amid evolving urban mobility options. Authorities and stakeholders continue to explore measures that balance efficiency, safety, and rider accountability.