Roads unfit for people - video

[TwickenhamCyclist]

Apologies if posted before – here’s a link to a pretty well put together piece arguing for the removal of traffic lights at junctions, making life better for peds, cyclists and every other road user – can’t really see the argument against it - thought it might be of interest to some!



View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBcz-Y8lqOg&feature=player_embedded

 

[jig-sore]

very very interesting.

thanks for that

 

[eranou]

Agreed, really interesting film.

 

[gaz]

In some cases we need traffic lights. In others we could probably install 4 way stop lines as they have in america etc..

 

[cloggsy]

In some cases we need traffic lights. In others we could probably install 4 way stop lines as they have in america etc..

... and perhaps allow left turns on a red light too (a la America?)

 

[Durian]

... and perhaps allow left turns on a red light too (a la America?)

That system operates where I live and it's excellent. Just have to remember, on my occasional visits back to the UK, that I can't do it there!

 

[MontyVeda]

I'm sure we've all seen the occasional headline in our local press along the lines of "Lights fails and traffic runs smoothly"... seen that one a few times up here.

 

[style over speed]

I was only thinking today that the sensors for cycle crossings should be a 20 yards or so back from the lights so that by the time you pass the sensor and get to the lights they have gone green for you

and you keep going on your way, in the copenhagen green wave way.

Rather than the current shitty situation where you have to stop and wait for the sensor to see you.

 

[mcshroom]

traffic lights are not all bad. Two roundabouts in Rotherham (my home town) have just had lights fitted that make them much better roads to use, but I agree in most urban settings the lights are pretty superfluous, especially outside of peak times. Maybe adopting the European flashing amber on all junctions outside of rush hour would allow better flow.

I also think that the traffic light breeds a sort of entitlement complex in drivers. "I've got a green light so you pedestrian move or I'll run you over!"

 

[itchyrider]

So basically if you want to make the roads better, ASK A CYCLIST ?

 

[steve52]

what a novel idear!! Lets put ptople first!

 

[Jonathing]

A large roundabout here had just been fitted with light turning it into a gyratory (I love that word) and I was thinking, after reading this thread last night that it has made traffic flow much more smoothly. But in retrospect I think what has improved traffic flow is the fact they have reinstated the faded white lines so people know in which they are supposed to be.

 

[TwickenhamCyclist]

A large roundabout here had just been fitted with light turning it into a gyratory (I love that word) and I was thinking, after reading this thread last night that it has made traffic flow much more smoothly. But in retrospect I think what has improved traffic flow is the fact they have reinstated the faded white lines so people know in which they are supposed to be.

We used to call the Hanger Lane one the Hanger Lane Masterbatory System cos you had time for a quick one while you waited to get around it...

 

[Jezston]

... and perhaps allow left turns on a red light too (a la America?)

NO THANKS!

Not much fun when you are trying to cross the road and suddenly someone turns into you unexpetedly.

Rules like 'turn on red' go hand in hand with rules like 'jaywalking'. We don't need such rules here.