UK cities should follow Paris’s lead in allowing cyclists to travel through red lights if the way is clear on agreed routes, says the Green Party.
Signs, erected this summer, with an upside down triangle, an arrow and a picture of a bicycle, indicate which direction cyclists can travel without stopping at a red light and it is hoped the new rules could reduce “delays and improve safety for cyclists” if introduced in the UK[1].
Paris’s Green deputy mayor, Christophe Najdoski revealed the plans in April in a bid to also speed up cycling journey times across the French capital.
The Green Party’s local transport spokesperson, Caroline Russell welcomed the announcement and sees it as an initiative that could be “implemented quickly” in the UK as an interim measure to encourage cycling.
Cllr Russell said:
"It's great to see Paris so clearly ambitious to get more people travelling by bike. The new rules for cyclists, allowing people to go straight ahead at T junctions or turn right (left in UK) on a red light, if the way is clear and no pedestrians are crossing, will make Paris more bike-friendly.
“This is not an alternative to redesigning our streets with safe cycle lanes, but it's a great interim measure that can be implemented quickly and so long as everyone is considerate of others, especially those walking, it could make a real difference.
“British cities should follow suit. There are huge benefits to public health from encouraging more journeys by bike. Not only does this reduce congestion, road danger, physical inactivity and air pollution but it also makes our cities better places to live and work."
ENDS
Notes:
P56, section J5
The announcement from the Mayor of Paris’s office can be read here:
Contact 0207 549 0315 / press@greenparty.org.uk