Head start for cyclists to boost traffic lights safety on tram route
0 The new cycle traffic lights have been piloted at the Leith Walk-mcdonald Road junction Cyclists would get a head start at traffic light junctions along the tram route in Edinburgh under city council plans.
New lights that go green for riders before other traffic would be installed at 14 sites, if approved after consultation.
They are already in use at the Leith Walk/mcdonald Road junction.
It follows red-coloured cycle lanes for cyclists to cross tram lines more safely being brought in last autumn.
Advanced stop lines for riders at traffic lights at five junctions are due to be completed by the end of the month.
The work was triggered by the death of Malaysian student Zhi Min Soh, whose bike wheels became caught in tram tracks last May at the junction of Shandwick Place and Queensferry Street.
Consultation on the changes continues until 11 April. If approved, most are expected to be implemented towards the end of the year. They also include two options for the Haymarket junction at Grosvenor Street, changes to the alignment of the cycle lane at Haymarket Station, and a new mandatory cycle lane at the Princes Street- South St Andrew Street junction.
The council also proposes a new traffic island at Haymarket Yards, a new cycle crossing over the tram route at Cultins Road in Edinburgh Park, and improvements to the traffic island and advanced stop line box at the junction of Princes Street and South Charlotte Street.
City council transport convener Lesley Macinnes said: “With the first phase of cycle safety improvements already in place – and, according to our feedback, well-received by cyclists – and the second phase just weeks away from being implemented, we’re now looking to the public for feedback on our proposed designs for phase three.
“Road safety is absolutely paramount and we’ve been working extremely closely with our partners to refine these designs.
“Early release signals for cyclists have been credited with reducing collisions in cities where they’re already used, so these are a particularly desirable option.”
Ian Maxwell, of Spokes, the Lothian cycle campaign, said: “Signalled advanced stop lines reduce the risk of getting cut off by turning vehicles and also avoid some of the racing starts when the lights go green. It is encouraging to see Edinburgh making use of such ideas.”
Cycle path developers Sustrans Scotland said: “The signals will help improve safety and enable a better flow of people on bikes as they travel across the capital.”