Tower Hamlets Wheelers
NEWS RELEASE 9 November 2005
For immediate release
Ref THW04asl_survey051109
RESEARCH REVEALS POTENTIAL DANGERS OF CYCLING ON BOROUGH'S ROADS
- Keep green boxes clear say cycling group -
CYCLISTS are being squeezed out at junctions by motorbikes, cars and
vans according to research from East End cycling group the Tower Hamlets Wheelers.
The research illustrates how frequently motor traffic is breaking the
law by encroaching on the green boxes painted at junctions. Called
advanced stop lines, these areas are reserved for cyclists making it
safer for them to turn left or right.
In a part of the country which has one of the lowest rates of car
ownership, the group fears that these dangerous road conditions may be
responsible for forcing would-be cyclists off the road.
The research focused on two major junctions at the Aldgate gyratory - a
key route from the borough into the city. Seven members of the Tower
Hamlets Wheelers surveyed the junctions of the A11 and A13 during rush
hour last month, observing the number of motor vehicles entering
and going beyond the green boxes.
The study found that motorcyclists were the worst culprits. In the
period
of just one hour the team counted more that 150 riders who pulled up
into the green box after the traffic light turned red and a further 43
who pulled up beyond the second white line, into the junction. Cars and
small vans were next in line with 61 seen passing the advanced stop line
after a red light.
In the same period of time, 59 people on bikes were able to squeeze into
the green box, while a total of 66 were forced into the junction. A
further 12 couldn't even make it as far as the box, mainly because they
were crowded out by motorbikes.
Lead researcher and secretary of the Tower Hamlets Wheelers, Gary
Cummins explains the problem: "Our research shows that motorists either
don't understand or completely disregard the areas which should be
reserved for cyclists.
"These advanced stop lines are a crucial aid to people on bikes - at
major junctions it can be impossible to for a cyclist to change lanes
and take a right turn. The green boxes offer a safe and helpful head
start at major junctions like these.
"Riding on London's roads can be daunting for cyclists, especially if
they're inexperienced. If we can keep the green boxes clear of motor
traffic then we can encourage more people to adopt this clean, efficient way of travelling.
"At the moment, people who ride a bike to work are literally being
squeezed out by motor vehicles. We want to see this change."
The Tower Hamlets Wheelers are campaigning with the Police, Transport
for
London and local councillors to get the law on advanced stop lines
enforced.
The group also offers free training to would-be cyclists though their
Bike Buddy scheme. Log on to www.towerhamletswheelers.org.uk for more information.
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact Kerry Noble, Tower Hamlets Wheelers
press officer, on 07815 902 560 or press@towerhamletswheelers.org.uk
Notes to editors
Photos to illustrate the problem are available, along with a picture of
the research team.
Full details of the research are available on request.
Just 43 per cent of households in Tower Hamlets own a car compared with
a average of 73 per cent in the rest of England.
On advanced stop lines, the Highway Code states that:
Some junctions have advanced stop lines or bus advance areas to allow
cycles and buses to be positioned ahead of other traffic. Motorists,
including motorcyclists, MUST stop at the first white line reached, and
should avoid encroaching on the marked area. If your vehicle has
proceeded over the first white line at the time the signal goes red, you MUST stop at the second white line, even if your vehicle is in the
marked area. (Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD regs 10 & 43(2))
For more information on the benefits of Advanced Stop Lines, log on to:
www.lcc.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=743
www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=4094
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