Simple way for cyclists to bypass Junction of Death

Published: 1 July, 2011

• OLD Street roundabout is sometimes referred to as “The Junction of Death”, and not without good reason. The roundabout is an accident blackspot for those on bicycles, which has already seen a number of highly serious accidents this year. 

How strange, then, that until now Islington Council has blocked off the best alternative route for cyclists who want to go south into the City but avoid the roundabout and the southern half of busy City Road.

We at Islington Cyclists Action Group have long been calling for the council to introduce a contraflow cycle lane on one-way Bunhill Row to allow cyclists to prevent more tragic accidents.

While some readers will observe that many cyclists simply ignore the one-way rule and travel south on Bunhill Row anyway, introducing a contraflow cycle lane would not only protect those cyclists but also protect other road users, who would know to keep an eye out for bikes travelling in the other direction rather than being taken by surprise.

Unlike motorists, people on bikes make no noise, no pollution and don’t require roadside space for parking. All we want in return is the right to safety on the roads.

JON PARKER
Islington Cyclists Action Group