Cycle safety: A longer amber phase for traffic lights

While reading the DfT’s publication of a report on Infrastructure and Cycling Safety, it occurred to me that increasing the length of the pre-green red/amber phase at traffic lights, and allowing cyclists to cross the junction in this phase could be a relatively cheap way to improve the visibility and reduce the risk of collision by cars.

What do you think?

What are the pros and cons?

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2 comments

  1. Tim

    There is no need – the rules are pretty clear – if you read this article from Boston (US) you’ll see why we need to behave like everyone else. We don’t get extra rights on the road because we are cyclists, we share it. In order to gain respect and be noticed then we have to earn it. – http://bit.ly/rDk5Er

    Simon

    • Simon, I wasn’t for one minute suggesting that we should run red lights here in the UK. I was thinking that if there was a nationally applicable change in the law, and consequent change in traffic light signal timing, then it might make cyclists more visible than they are now.

      I can actually think of several reasons why it might not be a good idea too… For example, there is an argument that car drivers might be wound up by having to wait at the amber light while cyclists continue their journey, and then accelerate dangerously past the cyclist. But then maybe car drivers (I have a driving license too) should also be expected to obey the law, and not run lights or speed.

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