Plans could make cyclists exempt from red lights

New plans by London mayor, Boris Johnson could see cyclists around Britain being allowed to turn left at red traffic lights.

Under the proposals cyclists would wait for a safe gap in the traffic and allow right of way to pedestrians – much the same as any other junction. However, the opportunity to pass through the red light would allow them to execute the turn without the threat of overtaking lorries; in 2008, nine of the 13 cyclists killed on London’s roads had been hit by an HGV. All four cyclists killed in the capital this year were hit by HGVs.

Changing the law for cyclists

A spokeswoman for the Department for Transport explained that an exemption to the law would be required for cyclists: “This would need to go through the appropriate parliamentary processes before it could take effect.”

Mayor Johnson chairs Transport for London, which has written to the government calling for changes to be made to the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002. A modification to the law would pave the way for a change across the country.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “Lorries turning left at junctions pose a disproportionately high risk to cyclists and left-turn signals can help.”

Do I need cycle insurance?

The short answer is yes. Bikes are vulnerable to theft and in the case of an accident you may need to seek compensation or even deal with a claim by someone else. Cycle insurance from the ETA is fully comprehensive.

At no extra cost, it includes new-for-old replacement, cover for accidental damage, third party insurance, personal accident cover and if you breakdown, we will even come out and recover you and your bike.

What is the ETA?

The ETA provides cyclists with green breakdown cover and green insurance products. As well as encouraging responsible driving to reduce carbon, the ETA campaigns for sustainable transport.