LONDON, ENGLAND: SEPARATE CYCLIST & MOTORIST TURNS

-> A new junction [intersection] designed to avoid cyclists being hit by left-turning traffic has been unveiled in London. This is the first junction of its kind in Britain. Cyclists and turning motor traffic will move in separate phases, with left-turning vehicles held back to allow cyclists to move without risk, and cyclists held when vehicles are turning left. There will also be a new two-stage right turn' to let cyclists make right turns in safety. For straight-ahead traffic, early-release traffic lights will give cyclists a head start. These innovations aim to significantly cut the cyclist casualty rate. Around 85% of cyclist accidents happen at junctions, mostly involving turning traffic. The new junction, on the upgraded Cycle Superhighway 2 at Whitechapel Road and Cambridge Heath Road, will be the template for junctions to be introduced across London's main road network in future. http://bit.ly/1V9v22c

[Since vehicles travel on the left side of the road in Britain, switch left with right turns above for North American contexts.]

from CenterLines, the e-newsletter of the National Center for Bicycling & Walking.