Do dedicated lanes make cycling less safe?

When cyclists ride in dedicated cycle lanes motorists give them less room - That’s the suggestion made by new research published this month.

Researchers put a camera on the back of a bike being ridden along three roads in the north of England. Analysis of the footage revealed that drivers gave up to 18cm (seven inches) more space to cyclists on stretches without cycle lanes.

The research was carried out by teams at Leeds and Bolton Universities, supported by CTC, the national cyclists' organisation. The findings call into question the idea that designating part of the carriageway especially for cyclists makes riding safer.

The story was reported on The Independent Newspaper's website where there has been a lot of analysis and comment.

For the full story, go the The Independent website.