Cycle-level lights installed for first time in UK

The first low level traffic signals specifically designed to help cyclists in the UK have been installed in London.

This follows extensive safety trials by Transport for London (TfL) on behalf of the Mayor.

The installation of these signals forms part of the Mayor's Vision for Cycling in London, the £913m plan to transform cycling in the capital.

Low level cycle signals have been common place in certain parts of Europe for many years, but have never been approved for use in the UK. During off-street trials, which were carried out in partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT) last year, more than 80% of cyclists favoured the use of low-level signals, which repeat the signal displayed on main traffic lights at the eye level of cyclists.

The lights have now been installed onto the early-start traffic signals at Bow roundabout.

TfL has also written to the DfT for permission to trial low level cycle signals at a number of other locations across London, and also started work to see where else they could be installed in the future, subject to the on-street trials being successful.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “Innovative measures such as this are just one of a number of new safety initiatives we've been pushing for as part of my vision for cycling. We look forward to continuing to work with the government on many more measures to help make cycling even safer, more attractive and convenient for Londoners.”

Leon Daniels, managing director of surface transport at TfL, added: “These low level cycle signals are the first fruits from our extensive off-street cycling innovation trials and will be a fantastic addition to London's roads.

“Throughout 2014 we will be working to improve more junctions with these signals as well as continuing to redesign the capital's roads to make them safer for all road users, especially cyclists.”