Transport for LondonBow roundabout
Changes at Bow
We are building cycle 'early-start' facilities at the roundabout after discussing potential options with local cycling groups and boroughs. The scheme is believed to be the first of its kind in London.
The eastbound early-start was completed in June 2012. The westbound facility will be completed in early 2013.
Planned changes
The cycle early-starts will operate at the traffic signals on the eastbound and westbound approaches to Bow roundabout. This would provide a dedicated green light to allow cyclists to wait ahead of other traffic before moving onto the roundabout.
Additional cycle lanes on the east and westbound approaches will allow cyclists to approach the dedicated cycling areas, without having to filter through traffic.
The dedicated cycling area is at least 12 metres deep, so there's a clear space for cyclists in front of any traffic.
The early-start will improve safety, due to the reduced risk of conflict between cyclists travelling straight ahead and vehicles turning left. It will also provide a quick and direct route through the roundabout for cyclists.
Watch a video of how the early-start works
Next steps
Our provisional monitoring shows that the eastbound early-start has been effective in reducing the left turning conflict risk that it was designed to address. It also shows that the cycle lane on the approach is well-used, with significantly fewer cyclists using the footway than before.
We will continue to monitor and analyse the operation of these facilities.We've also started looking to see if other junctions in London would benefit from this technology.
We're working with the London Borough of Newham to deliver the westbound early-start facility.
We are working with the boroughs, local community organisations and landowners to develop options for more significant changes in and around Bow roundabout in the medium- to long-term, for example, as part of new housing and other developments.
