Printable PDF version - Cambridge Cycling Campaign

C2020Changes to legislationSome traffic lights could also be reworked to benefitboth cyclists and pedestrians. The Downing Street/St Andrew’s Street junction is a classic case where thecontinental style “left on red” system could be tried.This is where cyclists may turn left if no pedestrians arecrossing, and works very well abroad.Naturally, cyclists must stop and give way to vehicleson the crossroad and crossing pedestrians beforecompleting their turn, but often there is little reason why acyclist – who does not take up a large amount of space– could not turn left safely through specific red trafficlights, if legislation were to permit this, as is often the casein Holland and other areas.The same could be true where cyclists presently waitat red lights whilst all pedestrian phases have a green.Allowing cyclists to turn and/or cross at the same timewould make large junctions such as Silver Street/Queen’sRoad safer for those on two wheels and clear the way forthose on four.We believe that there is a strong case for both laws tobe changed.LiabilityIssues surrounding the enforcement of traffic lawswhere cyclists are involved in collisions with cars arecomplicated.In the Netherlands traffic legislation there places theonus firmly on motorists when it comes to liability, unlessit can be proved the cyclist or pedestrian was at fault.ConclusionLegislation affecting motorists and other road usersis always a contentious issue. But reducing dangerson the road is an important aim for anyone seeking toincrease cycle use and where this can only be doneThe Campaign would like to see…In the Netherlands, motorists areassumed to be liable in the event ofa collision unless shown otherwise.A change in the UK law should beconsidered also, because it wouldtransform safety on the roadsThis kind of change in the law could make a majordifference to the way motorists behave. The issues needto be aired and a properly informed public debate needsto be had so that we can assess whether such measurescould be introduced on UK roads.through stricter enforcement or new, tougher laws, adebate must be had and difficult decisions must be madeby politicians.> The law changed so that cyclists are able to turn left at some red traffic lights provided they giveway to traffic and crossing pedestrians, as in Holland> Better and stronger enforcement of existing legislation – for both motorists and cyclists> Tougher penalties for drivers who put cyclists in danger> A public debate on liability issues concerning collisions between cyclists and motorists““CYCLING2020SECTIONEIGHT.. Legislation and its enforcementSECTIONEIGHT.. page25