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FIVE.. Reallocation of roadspace
Making space for cycling at junctions
Junction points create real problems for cyclists and this is where most collisions take place. The junction near the police station at the end of East Road is a model of its kind that should become the norm by 2020
Left turn-only lanes are common in Cambridge at junctions and roundabouts but they create a problem for cyclists. Having a separate left turn-only lane on the approach forces cyclists who are going straight ahead to cross a lane of traffic and ride in a vulnerable position in the road.
Sometimes, left turn-only lanes are not actually needed and should be removed. At junctions such as the Madingley Road eastbound approach to the Park and Ride site and the Newmarket Road eastbound approach to the Park and Ride site, the left turn-only lanes have little or no impact on traffic flow because the proportion of cars which uses them is so small.
Even when the removal of a left turn-only lane will cause a reduction in traffic capacity, such as at the Catholic Church junction, it should still be considered because of the problems such lanes create for cyclists. Removing a left turn only lane of course does not mean reducing the number of lanes on the approach.
Other alterations should include shortening the left turn-only lane so that cyclists only have to ride in a vulnerable position for a short period of time, or marking lanes clearly in red. The junction near the police station, at the end of East Road, is a model of its kind that should become the norm by 2020.
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