Traffic Lights Could Automatically Turn Green for Cyclists in Safety Proposal
Proposals have been advanced that could see traffic lights automatically turning green for cyclists, aiming to enhance road safety across urban areas. This initiative seeks to prioritize bicycle traffic at intersections, potentially reducing stops and creating smoother journeys for those on two wheels.
Cycling Advocate Highlights Benefits
Hal Stevenson, policy director for Lime, emphasized that implementing such rules in London could boost safety for all road users. He pointed out that current signal timings are often based on motor traffic speeds, leading to frequent interruptions for cyclists.
"Despite this, signal timings remain set around motor traffic speeds, which can lead to frequent stopping and less smooth journeys for people on bikes," Mr Stevenson stated. "Rethinking how traffic lights are timed could be a natural next step in building on that success."
He noted that Transport for London (TfL) has significantly expanded the city's cycling network, growing from approximately 90 kilometers in 2016 to 430 kilometers last year. Stevenson cited examples from other cycling-friendly cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam, where 'green wave' technology has been successfully deployed.
This technology rewards cyclists traveling at a safe, consistent speed with a sequence of green lights, improving safety, rider behavior, and reducing journey times at relatively low cost. It could also help address issues like red light running.
Taxi Representative Voices Opposition
Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, described the suggestion as "farcical", arguing that London is already incredibly congested with traffic slower than ever. He expressed concerns that such a policy might incentivize risky behavior among cyclists.
"Cyclists shouldn't be left on red," he acknowledged, but added that people who hire bikes might take dangerous risks, such as ignoring red lights, due to time-based pricing models that make quicker journeys cheaper.
Mr McNamara also criticized what he called the "white, middle-class cycling lobby", whose focus he claimed is on removing vehicle traffic from roads. "Has it not occurred to them that some people either can't or don't want to cycle? It doesn't mean there's anything wrong with them," he remarked.
Official Response and Context
A spokesperson for the mayor responded that journey times on the TfL road network remain similar to 2019 levels. Studies have indicated that 20mph limits and zones may improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, suggesting that safety measures can coexist with efficient transport systems.
Cycling now accounts for up to one in five trips in central London, with cycle traffic at peak times exceeding cars, highlighting the growing importance of accommodating this mode of transport in urban planning.
