Peds!

There is no such thing as crossing against a red when you're a pedestrian in the UK. We don't have jaywalking laws here, despite what some in the motor lobby would like. Quite right too. Pedestrian lights are advisory only and peds retain the right to walk on the highway (apart from motorways and other restricted roads) at any point, no matter what the signals say. Admittedly a judge may look less favourably on an injured pedestrian who crossed on a red and was hit, but they certainly haven't been breaking any law.

Vulnerable peds, in particular, should be looked out for and respected by those higher up the transport foodchain. Just like I always slow down in my car if I see a cyclist wanting to emerge from a side road - in case they wobble out accidentally into my path - so I behave warily on my bike around peds at junctions and pelican crossings.

In 11 years of cycling 14 miles through central London every day I have probably touched a pedestrian fewer than 5 times - each time would be them stepping out unexpectedly of course, which might prompt an immediate British apology from all sides followed by a quick sigh of frustration or annoyed retort, but I have certainly never come close to injuring or knocking someone over who stepped out in front of me. I'm prepared to stop at all times, as all vehicles should be when in busy areas.

edit: others got there first (as usual!)