TRL Limited was commissioned by Transport for London to study the behaviour of cyclists and other road users at cycle Advanced Stop Lines (ASLs). This report describes the use and misuse of Advanced Stop Lines based upon an analysis of selected ASL sites within Greater London. A primary mechanism for increasing levels of cycling is the positive intervention of regional and local authorities to provide facilities making cycling safer and more convenient. Highway Authorities have been required by Government to set local targets and adopt strategies for increasing cycling. In London the Mayor's Transport Strategy includes the objective to "undertake and support measures to make the cycling environment safer and more convenient for users". Advanced Stop Lines are one measure intended to achieve this. The combination of utility and safety within the commitment quoted from the Mayor's Transport Strategy is significant in considering the role of cycle Advanced Stop Lines. The introduction of cycle Advanced Stop Lines in the UK in the mid 1980s followed widespread experience of this facility in the Netherlands. When they were introduced in the UK, it was primarily as a measure designed to increase cycle safety by allowing cycle users to move away from signals slightly in advance of motorised traffic. Since their introduction in the UK, cycle Advanced Stop Lines have become relatively common at urban junctions. In London, where this study took place, the provision of ASLs is encouraged by the 'London Cycling Design Standards: A guide to the design of a better cycling environment' (Transport for London, 2005), which states that "all traffic signal junctions should incorporate an advanced stop line (ASL) or similar cycle priority area". In addition to promoting safer riding behaviour, ASLs are also utilised to allow cyclists a degree of priority at junctions. (Author/publisher)
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