In the UK, Advanced Stop Lines (ASLs) are an area in front of the main traffic stop line at signal-controlled junctions that can currently only be used by cyclists. This area provides cyclists with the opportunity to wait in-front of traffic, giving them a number of benefits, including priority. This report summarises the results of a track trial in which motorcyclists were also permitted to use ASLs at signal-controlled junctions. The study’s objectives were to identify the effects on safety and behaviour, assess the opinions of cyclists and motorcyclists and assist the DfT in establishing whether further work on the concept was appropriate. A four-day trial was carried out on TRL’s test track with 30 participants on each day. A statistically robust design was used to ensure that different junction layouts could be compared with varying traffic flows and patterns of movement. Key results included that the turning movement mainly determined the chosen point of entry, with many of the participants positioning themselves for their planned turn before entering the ASL. The scheme did not delay cyclists getting into the ASL, nor did it reduce the ability of cyclists to reach the ASL. However, the scheme did restrict the ability of some cyclists to stop in the lateral position within the ASL that was considered to be the most appropriate for their planned turn. Observed difficulties were more prevalent when there were large numbers of participants using the ASL, but such situations would only be expected to occur rarely on-street where there are high flows. The scheme did not delay cyclists in leaving the ASL after the start of the Green Phase, but it did reduce the proportion of cyclists who cleared the junction ahead of motorcyclists. Both cyclists (69%) and motorcyclists (92%) were in favour of the scheme. Some of the cyclists expressed difficulties, but these tended to be a minority. (Author/publisher)
Abstract