New junction will protect cyclists on deadliest road

The UK’s first junction designed to protect cyclists from being hit by left-turning vehicles was unveiled today on London’s deadliest road for bike casualties.

Transport for London has introduced the changes on the Mayor’s Cycle Superhighway 2 on Whitechapel Road, at its junction with Cambridge Heath Road. The new layout uses traffic lights to hold back traffic wanting to turn left, while allowing cyclists and vehicles heading straight on to go first. Cyclists are held at a red light when vehicles get a green light to turn left.

The CS2 has been the scene of several cycle deaths, including at Aldgate and Bow. Victims have included Philipine de Gerin-Ricard and Brian Dorling.

All 11 major junctions along the superhighway — currently being segregated from vehicles along almost its entire length — will feature similar “early release” junctions for cyclists by next year. They will also be introduced elsewhere in London. Mayor Boris Johnson said: “I made a firm commitment that we would upgrade Cycle Superhighway 2 to ensure cyclists get the time and the space they need to cycle safely.

“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.”

There is also a two-stage right turn for cyclists. About 85 per cent of cyclist collisions happen at junctions, mostly involving turning traffic. TfL hopes the new system will reduce the number of cyclists injured in London. A total of 5,146 were hurt last year — the highest figure since 1989.

Work to upgrade the superhighway began in February and is now half-complete. Once it is finished, most of the cycle route will be separated from vehicles with a kerb. Where space is tighter, flexible poles or “wands” will be used.

Caroline Pidgeon, Lib-Dem transport spokeswoman on the London Assembly, welcomed the “innovative” safety measures.