CYCLE TRACK CROSSINGS OF MINOR ROADS

Cycle tracks can help cyclists to avoid sharing busy roads with motor vehicles. One of the main problems with providing them, however, is the design of crossings of minor roads. This introduces a hazard and cyclists are usually required to give way. Highway authorities have been reluctant to give priority to cyclists in case drivers fail to observe the priorities and casualties occur. This project investigates the safety and effectiveness of a variety of cycle track crossing arrangements at minor road T-junctions, including crossings with priority for cyclists. Five cycle track crossings were monitored using video cameras and 223 cyclists using the crossings were interviewed. The report draws conclusions about the safety of various designs and makes recommendations about cycle track crossing design. (A)