Chesterfield Cycle Campaign

A recent study, supported by CTC, has found that motorists overtaking cyclists allow less room when there is a cycle lane present, and drivers tend to stay within the middle of their own marked lane.  When no cycle lane is present, drivers 'consciously perform an overtaking manoevre'.

CTC’s policy co-ordinator, Chris Peck, said: ‘Cycle lanes have a part to play in improving road conditions for cyclists, but this research has raised concerns that they are not always the best solution.  Where a cycle lane exists, drivers may overtake with the belief that they can use the entire road space outside the cycle lane, and consequently, may be paying less attention to the cyclist’s need for space.’

It also means that, where cycle lanes are provided, it is important that they should meet the width requirements outlined in the Cycle Infrastructure Design guidelines which stipulate an optimal width of 2 metres, although a minimum of 1.5 metres may be acceptable on 30 mph roads.  Where road space is limited, advisory lanes (marked by dashed lines) allow vehicles to enter when a cyclist is not present.

http://www.localgov.co.uk/index.cfm?method=news.detail&id=81935
http://www.bikeforall.net/news.php?articleshow=705
http://www.bikebiz.com/news/31130/CTC-calls-safety-of-cycle-lanes-into-question