The latest phase of London's new 'cycle superhighway' has been unveiled in a bid to protect cyclists on one of the capital's busiest junctions.
Early release and separate traffic lights have been installed at Cambridge Heath Road and Whitechapel Road in east London. It is believed to be the first time they have been combined in the UK.
Around 85% of cyclist accidents happen at junctions and the new system will give those on bicycles greater protection whether turning left, right or travelling straight ahead. Transport for London (TfL) said the new junction will be the template for the rest of the main road network. Cycle Superhighway 2 will cover 11 major junctions between Aldgate and Bow Roundabout by the time it is finished next year.
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: 'The innovations we're using at Cambridge Heath are a fantastic taster of the raft of improvements that are coming down the track, ensuring that people can cycle safely and more confidently in our city.'?
Leon Daniels, managing director of surface transport at TfL, said: 'It's great to see once again that London is leading the way in bringing safe cycling infrastructure to our streets. This innovative junction, conceived and designed by our in-house team of designers and engineers, is a key part of the mayor's wider cycling vision.
'By improving Cycle Superhighway 2, as well as miles of roads and numerous junctions across the Capital, we can encourage more safe cycling and further bolster London as a truly world class cycling city.'
Photo: TfL
