Roundabouts similar to those used in the Netherlands, which separate cyclists from cars and give them priority, could be used in London as early as next year, subject to government approval, according to 1466 Transport for London (TfL).
TfL has begun a major cycle safety research project to trial new and innovative junction layouts and traffic technology that, if successful, could be introduced in London and potentially more widely across the UK.
The trials, which are being carried out for TfL by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) in Wokingham, will examine a range of suggestions such as Dutch style roundabouts and low level cycle signals to assess their suitability for introduction on the UK's roads, subject to1837 Department for Transport (DfT) approval.
The work to trial these innovative methods forms a key part of the Mayor’s wider Vision for Cycling in London. During the next ten years, more than £913 million will be spent on transforming the capital through new cycle routes and better provisions for cyclists.
The trials will involve hundreds of cyclists and drivers of different types of and the effects on safety and capacity will be studied as well as the impact on all road users. Subject to the outcome of these trials, TfL would work with the DfT to trial some of these innovative methods on London’s roads during 2014.
Future trials will also look at how people respond to different road markings which are used across Europe to see whether there is any benefit in introducing these to the UK’s roads.
The Mayor and TfL are also actively engaging with Government for wider changes to regulations, such as allowing better enforcement of cycle lanes and advanced stop lines, to further improve cycle safety.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “I want London to lead the way in improving conditions for cyclists and the work being carried out at the Transport Research Laboratory shows what can be done if you think outside of the box. Making our capital safer for those on two wheels is a real priority and I am eager to see what exciting innovations come out of these trials.”
Local Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “We are always interested in innovative ideas to improve safety for cyclists and that is why we are working closely with TfL and others to develop, test and now trial low level cycle signals. I look forward to seeing how these latest experimental designs perform in the trials.”
TfL has begun a major cycle safety research project to trial new and innovative junction layouts and traffic technology that, if successful, could be introduced in London and potentially more widely across the UK.
The trials, which are being carried out for TfL by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) in Wokingham, will examine a range of suggestions such as Dutch style roundabouts and low level cycle signals to assess their suitability for introduction on the UK's roads, subject to
The work to trial these innovative methods forms a key part of the Mayor’s wider Vision for Cycling in London. During the next ten years, more than £913 million will be spent on transforming the capital through new cycle routes and better provisions for cyclists.
The trials will involve hundreds of cyclists and drivers of different types of and the effects on safety and capacity will be studied as well as the impact on all road users. Subject to the outcome of these trials, TfL would work with the DfT to trial some of these innovative methods on London’s roads during 2014.
Future trials will also look at how people respond to different road markings which are used across Europe to see whether there is any benefit in introducing these to the UK’s roads.
The Mayor and TfL are also actively engaging with Government for wider changes to regulations, such as allowing better enforcement of cycle lanes and advanced stop lines, to further improve cycle safety.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “I want London to lead the way in improving conditions for cyclists and the work being carried out at the Transport Research Laboratory shows what can be done if you think outside of the box. Making our capital safer for those on two wheels is a real priority and I am eager to see what exciting innovations come out of these trials.”
Local Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “We are always interested in innovative ideas to improve safety for cyclists and that is why we are working closely with TfL and others to develop, test and now trial low level cycle signals. I look forward to seeing how these latest experimental designs perform in the trials.”
