RAC suggests cyclist left-turn on red traffic light trials

We don't need exceptions to the law - we just need the existing laws to be properly enforced. I would also suggest we don't need segregation - but that's a whole other can of worms

Surely to take advantage of this a cyclist will have to filter up the pavement side of stationary traffic, precisely the sort of dangerous practice that ends in tragedy.

"This problem should not occur where there are advanced cycle stop lines that allow cyclists to wait ahead of lorries." - if the drivers could be persuaded to keep out of them that is!

I have to say that as a cyclist I am really NOT in favour of this idea. We in this country seem barely able to correctly use the rules and regulations of the road as they exist. Introducing new ones of this type just seem to have a massive potential for disaster.

Motorists can barely stand to have us on the road as it is. Can you imagine what some drivers will do when riders come up the inside at a red light and turn left without having to stop? Plus - how many drivers actually respect the advance cycle boxes at junctions that exist in places now?

IMHO the solution is to get as much information out to bike riders that where there is stationary traffic at a junction with a left turn, that the cyclist stops in a position that allows maximum visibility to other traffic. Do not go up the inside of a stopped vehicle unless you can DEFINITELY get to the front of the queue where you can be seen.

This would need a lot of thought and probably cost (it always costs a fortune). I can forsee problems with cyclists turning left and pedestrians crossing. I have had a couple of near misses, as a pedestrian, and got a lot of abuse for crossing when it appeared safe and the green man was lit.

I cycle, walk and drive so I am not anti any of these groups. When driving I always give cyclists plenty of room. One I don't like it when cars come close to me and secondly, if I am in a collision with a cyclist it will make a mess of my car. Why don't other drivers think or realise this.

I think that this happens in London already.

I think that T junctions are where it would work best - when traffic from side road is crossing a line of stationary vehicles, to head in the direction that the cyclist has just come from (if you see what I mean). A simple "except cyclists" sign or an orange cycle filter on the lights would work)

worry about it when there are pedestrian crossings on side roads at X roads though - not so much for cyclists mowing down pedestrians but vice versa if the lights begin to change (based on bitter experience from the turn onto the road between KX and StP from Euston road, when people cross even when you have lights in you favour if there are no taxis to "back you up")

The report also suggests other tinkering in order to keep traffic flowing and apparently 'reducing' pollution!! A lot of it seems to be geared up in the motorists favour and not much thought given over to vunerable roadusers!!

Actually it can be very confusing in the US regarding right turns at red lights. This is only allowed in some states, not all. And even where it is allowed, it is not permitted at all junctions. I drive in the US regularly.

But if it is to be introduced for left turns for cyclists only in the UK, it wouldn't be such a bad thing. Stephen Glaister is a smart guy as it happens. I wish more people amongst the motoring lobby had his foresight.

It always makes me jump hearing about allowing left turns at red lights and other law by-passes like this. It's a free pass for tragedies, all undercover of "it's done elsewhere without a problem".
Well, people behave differently elsewhere where cycling is much more accepted than here!

I'm a cyclist, not a motorist, but we're on the road, respect the rules, and have them enforced for cyclists as well. Full stop. And that includes rising as a whole group a behaving ourselves too, not just claiming we should be able to do so and so...

I'd like the laws we have enforced a bit more before we start buggering about with them, DfT, please.

As always, COMMON SENSE should prevail in these cases.
The USA allow right turns at red lights (equivalent to our left turn) and have no problems.

If a cyclist wants to go up the inside of a big truck, or bus, when that vehicle is indicating to turn left, then they must be absolutely clear in their own mind that they will be visible when it matters.

Yes, it's up to other road users to ensure it is safe to maneuver but it is more important for those road users not to put themselves (and others) in danger!!

The article mentions trails in Bordeaux and Strasbourg not creating any problems... but did it ease them and prevent accident or did any resulting data remain unchanged? Driver (and cyclists) attitudes are different here and I can see the 'get there quick' mindset kicking in as a cyclists charges up the inside of a truck as the lights are still red and then change, meaning the truck will go with a cyclist (or two!) alongside. Ouch.

Segregation still seems like the correct answer to the problem.