Cycle lanes can make roads more dangerous for cyclists, claims research study

Cycle lanes can make roads more dangerous for cyclists, according to a study by Leeds and Bolton universities. The research suggests that cycle lanes currently provided on many roads may make travel less comfortable and attractive for cycle users.The study also comes to the conclusion that ‘cycle lanes do not appear to provide greater space for cyclists in all conditions’.

The researchers attached a camera to the back of a bicycle and rode along roads that had stretches with and without cycle lanes. They found that when there was no cycle lane, drivers tended to give riders a wider berth. When there was a cycle lane, motorists drove closer to the bikes.

Most of Britain’s cycle lanes do not comply with the width of 1.5m (5ft) recommended by the Department for Transport.

The study suggests that reducing the speed of traffic would do more to improve cycle safety than narrow cycle lanes.
The research – which received national media coverage in The Times, reveals that when there is a cycle lane, motorists drive within the confines of their own marked lane with less recognition of the need to provide a comfortable passing distance to those using the cycle lane.

Doctor John Parkin, Reader in Transport Engineering and Planning at the University of Bolton said: 'In the presence of a cycle lane of inadequate width, a driver is likely to drive closer than they otherwise would when passing a cyclist. This suggests that their width should never be compromised.'

Dr Parkin supervised the study carried out by Ciaran Meyers, a MSc research student at the University of Leeds Institute for Transport Studies. The work was also supported by the UK's national cyclists' organisation, the Cyclists' Touring Club.

Measurements were taken on roads with and without cycle lanes using a bicycle with instruments that measured the distance of passing vehicles.

The study is to be published in the scientific journal Accident Analysis and Prevention.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: 'All too often, cycle lanes end up little more than a cheap and nasty way of promoting cycling – they take circuitous routes, are poorly maintained and often parked in by cars so it is little wonder that most experienced cyclists tend to avoid them.'