Skip to main content

UK’s first low level cycle signals installed

The first low level traffic signals specifically designed for cyclists in the UK have been installed in London, following extensive safety trials by Transport for London (TfL) on behalf of the Mayor. Low level cycle signals have been common place in certain parts of Europe for many years, but have never been approved for use in the UK. During off-street trials, which were carried out in partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT) last year, more than 80 per cent of cyclists favoured the use of lo
January 27, 2014 Read time: 2 mins
The first low level traffic signals specifically designed for cyclists in the UK have been installed in London, following extensive safety trials by 1466 Transport for London (TfL) on behalf of the Mayor.

Low level cycle signals have been common place in certain parts of Europe for many years, but have never been approved for use in the UK. During off-street trials, which were carried out in partnership with the 1837 Department for Transport (DfT) last year, more than 80 per cent of cyclists favoured the use of low-level signals, which repeat the signal displayed on main traffic lights at the eye level of cyclists. The lights have now been installed onto the early-start traffic signals at Bow roundabout.

TfL is hoping to trial low level cycle signals at a number of other locations across London, and also begun work to see where else they could be installed in the future, subject to the on-street trials being successful.

Off street trials of new cycle-separated junctions will begin next month at the Transport Research Laboratory to test fully-segregated approaches to junctions and special cycle-specific traffic lights. These lights have a cyclist phase to guard against conflict with moving and turning motor traffic. Most serious bike injuries and fatalities occur at junctions.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • London’s mayor launches bus safety programme
    February 2, 2016
    The Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) have launched a world-leading programme to drive major improvements in safety across London's bus network, creating a six-point programme to reduce collisions and improve safety. The programme will bring together the newest technology, training, incentives, support, reporting and transparency right across the network, contributing to TfL's work towards meeting the mayor's target of halving the number of people killed or seriously injured on the capital's
  • Research reveals perceptions, safety and use of protected bike lanes
    June 6, 2014
    A research study released by the US National Institute for Transportation and Communities (NITC) program offers the most comprehensive evaluation of protected cycle lanes to date. The study, Lessons from the Green Lanes, examines recently installed protected bike lanes in five of the six founding PeopleForBikes Green Lane Project cities and provides the scientific basis for decisions that could improve bicycling in cities across the United States. Protected bike lanes, sometimes called cycle tracks, are
  • Plans unveiled for one of London’s busiest corners
    February 8, 2016
    New plans to improve safety and transform one of the busiest parts of London have been published by Transport for London (TfL) and Islington Council. A consultation is now underway on plans for Highbury Corner, which would see the western side of the roundabout completely removed and replaced by a major new public space. Removing the western side of the roundabout would allow a two-way traffic system to be introduced with improved pedestrian crossings. It would also allow new segregated lanes for cyclis
  • Trials show fuel savings with connected vehicle technology
    December 16, 2015
    American and European trials point to fuel and emissions reductions. A trial by University of California-Riverside (UC-Riverside) has shown connected vehicle technology has the potential to reduce fuel consumption (and therefore emissions) by up to 18% compared with an uninformed driver.