French cyclists have won the right to ride through red lights at certain road junctions. Cyclist groups have long argued that traffic lights exist to force car drivers to allow pedestrians to cross the road, regulate the flow of traffic and moderate speed – factors that apply differently, if at all, to cyclists.
The new law in France, which allows bicycles to turn right or go straight across at a T-junction if the road is clear – even when the lights are red – will first be trialled in a small district in north Paris.
If there is no statistically significant increase in the number of accidents, the system will be extended to all 69 areas of the Paris where there is a 20mph speed limit.
A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “A law that allows ‘left turns on red’ for bicycles at certain junctions areas can make urban cycling even more efficient.”
Over 3,000 cyclists in Paris were last year fined for failing to stop at a red light, for which they were fined the equivalent of £113.
City cyclists and lorries
Large lorries in towns pose a disproportionately high risk to cyclists. Of particular danger is the left-turning lorry the driver of which may not see a cyclist in his near side mirror. Women cyclists are more at risk in this situation with some suggesting that they are less aggressive in the way they position themselves around lorries at junctions.
The best piece of advice for cyclists in towns and cities is to give lorries, coaches and buses a wide berth. At junctions and side turnings be aware of lorries approaching from behind on the road that may be about to turn left and at lights do not position yourself on the inside (between the lorry and the pavement).
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