Low-level lights for cyclists get approval

NEW TRAFFIC LIGHTS designed specifically for cyclists have been approved by the Government, following a successful trial.

The low-level lights repeat the signals displayed by the normal traffic lights, and the results of the trial were that 80% of cyclists favoured their use.

Following the approval Transport for London can now install the lights at Bow Roundabout – the first time the lights have been used in the UK. TFL hope to install the lights at a further 11 sites in London.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, and TFL have been trialling a range of measures to improve the safety of cyclists, including new designs for roundabouts and bus stop bypasses.

Another measure aiming to improve cyclist safety is a new junction design that will be used as standard by road planners. This design will include a ‘two-stage’ right turn for cyclists as used in other European countries.

The two-stage right turn saves cyclists from attempting to turn across several lanes of traffic. This ‘turn left to turn right’ idea allows bikes to turn left into a dedicated area in advance of the main traffic before completing the turn by going straight across the junction when the lights next change.

Transport Minister Stephen Hammond said:

"The government wants to see cycling made safer and we welcome innovative designs from local authorities.

Over the last few years we’ve worked very closely with Transport for London to deliver better infrastructure for cyclists. Transport for London are working hard on proposals to make cycling safer and these low-level lights mean that cyclists will have dedicated traffic lights that give them the information they need.

There is always more that we can do and there is a lot of research underway into further measures that we can look at."

By Press Association reporters