Cycle lanes could be making roads more dangerous for bike users, rather than protecting them, a study has found.
Joint research by the universities of Leeds and Bolton suggests motorists allow more space for cyclists when there is no cycle lane than they do when the bike riders have their own space.
The research, supported by the Cyclists’ Touring Club (CTC), found that in the presence of a separate cycle lane, motorists failed to allow a significant overtaking distance, and stayed within the centre of their own lane. Without a cycle lane, drivers ‘consciously perform an overtaking manoeuvre’.
The University of Bolton’s John Parkin said: ‘A cyclist within a cycle lane does not seem to cause a driver to adopt a different position in his or her lane. This has important implications for the width of cycle lanes and implies that their width should never be compromised.’
CTC’s policy co-ordinator, Chris Peck, said: ‘Cycle lanes have a part to play in improving road conditions for cyclists, but this research has raised concerns that they are not always the best solution.
‘Where a cycle lane exists, drivers may overtake with the belief that they can use the entire road space outside the cycle lane, and consequently, may be paying less attention to the cyclist’s need for space.’
Sustran policy manager Jason Torrance told Surveyor the research highlights the problems of poor segregated cycling facilities. He called on local and central government to ensure there is guidance and money available to provide high quality cycle lanes.
The effect of cycle lanes on the proximity between motor traffic and cycle traffic
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