downfader
extimus uero philosophus
- Location
- 'ampsheeeer
Many of us have thought how useful to have a specific cycle-green at the lights. I know however that no one in office would ever spend the money on such a thing.
However the recent highlighting of the deaths and injuries involving cyclists and lorries got me seriously thinking. Could we allow cyclists segregation through time to navigate junctions safely away from motor vehicles, and do it cheaply?
So I thought, and thought until me brain ****ing hurt like a badger was trying to crawl his way out. Then the lightbulb came on - in amber.
There could be a solution where we adapt Boris' ideas for "advance on red" to an "advance on amber" and change the timing of the lights to allow cyclists a short grace of acceleration. I'm prolly not the first to have thought it, but it didnt stop me emailing the road safety team at the DfT to ask them to consider it.
I got an email tonight from them:
I think thats pretty cool. Obviously it takes more than once crank to turn the pedals of progress.
So I will ask all who have ideas to please send them to the DfT, if they get the general idea from cyclists how we think we can aid our own safety by influencing traffic signals, signs and so on it might spur an influence on the research, and in turn have an effect of real world road safety.
(Obviously i would have posted this in Camp+P but this is as much a commuting matter as C+P so I was unsure)
However the recent highlighting of the deaths and injuries involving cyclists and lorries got me seriously thinking. Could we allow cyclists segregation through time to navigate junctions safely away from motor vehicles, and do it cheaply?
So I thought, and thought until me brain ****ing hurt like a badger was trying to crawl his way out. Then the lightbulb came on - in amber.

I got an email tonight from them:
Your e-mail of 31 October concerning cycling issues has been passed to me for reply. You suggested that introducing an advanced green signal (I actually said AMBER but hey ho) for cyclists might help avoid conflict between cyclists and HGVs. We know that in the last year or so, there has been a spate of fatal HGV-related accidents with cyclists in the London area. What is not clear is how many took place at signalised junctions. However, returning to your suggestion, the Department is carrying out a traffic signs policy review, which was launched in September 2008. The review is considering changes to both the traffic sign system and the traffic management system that it supports, including traffic signals. We agree that whilst the use of sophisticated signalling systems and strategies have largely concentrated on benefits for motor-vehicular traffic, there has been less emphasis on the traffic signalling techniques for cyclists at junctions (something I reitterated to them in my email). This research project will seek to provide an integrated approach to the provision of safe cycling (with particular regard to road markings, traffic signs, signals and engineering infrastructure), with priority measures where appropriate, through the approaches to traffic signals and through the controls themselves.
This project will assist the review by gathering evidence on traffic management techniques used for cyclists in Great Britain and elsewhere with a view to informing possible trials of new techniques and to help inform future policy and regulatory changes.
I trust my response is helpful and I take this opportunity to thank you for the interest you have shown in road safety related matters.
Regards
Traffic Management Division
I think thats pretty cool. Obviously it takes more than once crank to turn the pedals of progress.

(Obviously i would have posted this in Camp+P but this is as much a commuting matter as C+P so I was unsure)