Square’s new traffic system is even more dangerous for cyclists

• AFTER a year of disruption, the new traffic system around Russell Square has finally been revealed, and it is more unsafe for cyclists than it was. 

Southbound traffic on the east side of the square can now turn right off Southampton Row into Russell Square; there is a separate turn lane for this but no turn signal. Cyclists are forced to negotiate and then wait at the front of a queue of impatient traffic, while non-stop traffic thunders northbound; there is often never a long-enough break in the traffic for a cyclist (or even a vehicle) to make a safe turn. 

This is dangerous and it seems a matter of time before another serious cycling accident occurs. 

An opportunity to make things safer has been missed. Please install a right-turn signal, as well as a safe space at the front of the lane for cyclists to wait in.

STEPHEN MILLER, WC1 

Published: 22 July, 2011