Transport minister Stephen Hammond has greenlit a pilot that will see low-level cycling lights installed at Bow Roundabout and then eleven other sites around London.
The Government approved the low-level lights, which mirror the signal of the main traffic lights at the height of cyclists to make the signal easier to see, after 80 per cent of cyclists said they approved of their use.
Transport for London can now install the lights at Bow Roundabout and will work with the Department for Transport to add low-level lights to the following places:
- Queen Street Place and Upper Thames Street
- Euston Road and Pancras Road
- Holloway Road and Madras Place and Fieldway Crescent
- City Road and Colebrooke Row
- Owen Street and Goswell Road
- Cable Street and Dock Street and Royal Mint Street
- Cable Street and Cannon Street Road
- London Road, Princes Street and Ontario Street
- St Georges Road, Princess Street and Elliots Row
- Clapham Common Northside and Cedars Avenue
- Clapham Common Southside and Narbonne Avenue
It’s hoped the lights will make it easier for cyclists to get the information they need at junctions, helping reduce the number of accidents. They should also help car drivers.
Transport for London, Department for Transport and London Mayor Boris Jonhson have been trialling a number of measure to make life safer for cyclists, including a traffic signal that gives cyclists a headstart over cars at the lights. ‘High-quality, low traffic back streets’ known as “quietways” will also start to be implemented in the Summer of 2014.
There are also plans to implement a new junction system that includes a two-stage right turn for cyclists, something already used in Europe to great success, and mandatory enforcement of cycle lanes.
“Over the last few years we’ve worked very closely with Transport for London to deliver better infrastructure for cyclists,” Stephen Hammond said. “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.”
Boris Johnson added: “This is very good news for cyclists in London, and across the country. Just one of a number of new safety measures we’ve been discussing with the government, this new piece of infrastructure forms a key element of our cycling vision for London. We look forward to continuing to work together on many more measures to help make cycling even safer, more attractive and convenient for Londoners.”
The low-level cycling lights will be installed during January 2014, with the other sites to follow throughout the year.
Six cyclists died in London over a 14 day period.
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