In Pictures: New Eye-Level Cycle Signals Installed At Bow Interchange

Andy Thornley
By Andy Thornley Last edited 122 months ago
In Pictures: New Eye-Level Cycle Signals Installed At Bow Interchange
The eye level signals complement the cycle signals introduced in 2012
The eye level signals complement the cycle signals introduced in 2012
A ghost bike in the background offers a reminder as to why the improvements were nessecery
A ghost bike in the background offers a reminder as to why the improvements were nessecery
The cycle signals are relatively new and so additional signs are also needed
The cycle signals are relatively new and so additional signs are also needed
The roundabout is part of Cycle Superhighway 2, running in to the City
The roundabout is part of Cycle Superhighway 2, running in to the City
Bow interchange has been a particular accident blackspot in recent years. Cyclists have blamed this on poor infrastructure
Bow interchange has been a particular accident blackspot in recent years. Cyclists have blamed this on poor infrastructure

The UK’s first eye-level cycle traffic lights have been installed on the Bow Interchange in East London. The roundabout has been the scene of several accidents resulting in the death or serious injury of cyclists in recent years.

Although not currently operational, engineers spent Sunday afternoon installing and testing the lights, just long enough for Londonist to take a few pictures and give a sneak preview of what those on two wheels can expect in the coming weeks.

In December last year, Leon Daniels, managing director of surface transport at Transport for London said:

Low level cycle signals are commonplace in certain parts of Europe and we are keen to make them commonplace in London. These new signals, which will be a further improvement to the innovative traffic signals at Bow, will provide cyclists with a better eye-level view as to which stage the traffic signals are at.

In 2012, traffic signals specifically for cyclists were introduced to the notorious junction; however, introducing eye-level lights will now allow cyclists to see the signal without craning their necks.

Diamond Geezer's also been to take a look. What do you think of the new signals? Tell us below.

Last Updated 20 January 2014