New Traffic Lights Aim To Cut Cyclist Deaths

By Kyra Hanson Last edited 103 months ago
New Traffic Lights Aim To Cut Cyclist Deaths
Low level cyclist traffic lights and the 'two-stage right turn' in action

What do you get when you mix a cyclist, a busy junction and turning traffic? The perfect set up for a traffic accident — in fact 85% of incidents involving cyclists occur under these circumstances.

New safety cycling measures are being unveiled today at Cambridge Heath Junction on Whitechapel Road in east London, which TFL says will "significantly cut the cyclist casualty rate".

The potentially life-saving measures are the first to be implemented in the UK and involve separating the traffic to cut the chance of collisions. It's the first of at least 11 which will be rolled out across the city's smaller junctions.

The measures include early release traffic lights for cyclists — giving those on two wheels a head start when turning left or going straight ahead.

For right-turning traffic a 'two-stage right turn' will reduce the risk of cyclists waiting in the middle of the road through new marked waiting areas.

The video above shows the early release traffic lights which will be unveiled today.

The scheme is part of the Mayor's wider plans to make cycling in London's streets safer, including Cycle Superhighway 2 — now 50% complete — and plans to make safety improvements to 33 larger junctions.

A scheme to give cyclists more time at green traffic lights through thermal technology is still being tested.

Last Updated 25 August 2015