.................. hits the streets of Derby!
A feature of the Connecting Derby Project is the installation of "Bus Gates", which are light controlled junctions where buses (in a dedicated bus lane) will trigger a green light and turn other traffic lights to red, giving the bus priority over other less desirable traffic (ie private cars).
This is good news for us on bikes when we are cycling in the bus lanes, but the question is "Does a bike trigger the green light?"
I tried out the system today at the Uttoxeter Road/ Mercian Way/ Curzon Street/Stafford Street roundabout and my bike had no effect on the lights, though I waited whilst the adjacent lights went through four sequences before I gave up. Had a bus arrived behind me that would have triggered the lights.
I have taken the matter up with Cycle Derby, and I am assured that the sytem should be triggered by a bike and needs a slight adjustment to it's sensativity, which will be carried out.
At this junction, going towards the City Centre from Mickleover, there are three lanes, ie bus lane on the left and two traffic lanes to the right. If you wish to cycle, turning right into Mercian Way, and approach via the bus lane you would have to cut across the other two lanes, but the system should turn the bus lane lights green and the other two to red.
Locals please give it a try, and if you survive, let us know how you get on.
There is, I understand another of these bus gates on King Street, but I have not tried that one.
1 comment:
This has been in operation for a long time at the Nottingham Road cycle lane at the fire station/cemetery lights. Never managed to change them using my cycle though.
JohnS
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