As local cyclists are aware, they are forced to navigate poorly maintained or non-existent cycle lanes, share space with fast-moving traffic, or even ride on pavements, putting them at risk of collisions and injuries.
A Freedom of Information request on Advance Stop Lines (ASL) and Early Release Lights (ERL) asked for any data East Sussex County Council (ESCC) had on their effectiveness. Their reply suggested that there had not been any done. Therefore, an ‘informal’ review was undertaken by Bespoke based on 120 occasions when a cyclist approached these junctions.
For background, ASLs are designed to reduce conflicts between cyclists and other vehicles by creating a designated space for cyclists to wait at the head of the queue. This can lead to a reduction in collisions, particularly those involving cyclists turning right or pulling away from a junction. ERLs for cyclists involve a short, pre-green phase for cyclists before the main traffic signal turns green, allowing them to move ahead of other vehicles.
So much depends on the time of day, level of congestion, the confidence of the cyclist plus their ability to navigate to the front of the traffic and be detected by the camera. Even then, and following the guidance, sometimes the cycle is not detected or the ERL is not triggered.
In the sample undertaken, the chance of getting to an ASL, without being prevented by vehicles, is between 65 to 80%. Once there, if there is an ERL, then this is between 60 to 70% ( of the 65% to 80%). So, an overall success rate of around 45%.
By providing safe and accessible cycle provision, we can encourage more people to choose cycling for short journeys, reducing traffic congestion and air pollution.
Bespoke urges East Sussex CC to prioritize investment in well-built cycling infrastructure and to work with cyclists and cycling organizations to develop solutions that meet the needs of everyone.
