Contrary to preconceived notions it provides improved safety, says French authorities. A pilot programme allowing bicycle users to turn right on red while yielding to road users with a green light is to be put in place at at least one south Dublin junction over the next 6 months, the Minister for Transport has said in a written parliamentary reply.The measure wasincluded in the Irish Governments Road Safety Strategy in 2021andwasgiven legal backing last year, along with other changes.As in other countries where the measure has been in place for a long time, such as France and the Netherlands, yielding at a red light will be permitted only when a road sign indicates it is allowed. The design of the sign (pictured above and below), with a yield sign depicting a bicycle in it and an arrow indicating the direction permitted, follows the design of the same measure in France, where authorities state that it is a safety feature.A video by the French Ministry of Ecology, in English, explains: In France, traffic managers can allow cyclists to ride through red lights after giving way to the different users going through on green. This authorisation is indicated by a plaque [sign] placed on the frame of the lights. It was first limited to right turns, but has now been extended to all traffic movements.The video outlines how cyclists are often not visible to truck or bus drivers turning, which creates dangerous situations. It states: In addition to improving the comfort of cyclists, this measure, contrary to preconceived notions, also provides improved safety.Unlike in France, the legal provision in Ireland only provides for cycling left on a red light and cycling straight at the top of a T-junction while the light. Both area also only allowed where the signs (below) show the direction allowed). The Ministry of Ecologys video concludes: It should never be forgotten. That traffic lights are primarily a tool for regulating motor traffic. Even though they sometimes allow pedestrians to cross streets more comfortably, they are, in general, very restrictive for non-motorised users. Giving cyclists right of away to red lights is a simple and innovative way to make cycling more comfortable. It is also and somewhat less intuitively, a safety device that facilitates cycling without endangering cyclists or other users.A parliamentary reply this week was published in response to a question by Maeve OConnell, a Fine Gael Dublin Rathdown TD, who asked the Minister if his Department is considering enablingcycliststo turn left at red traffic lights.Minister of Transport, Darragh OBrien, said: A feasibility and international best practise review into cyclist turning left on red provision is now complete, and a pilot location has been identified with Dn Laoghaire Rathdown County Council agreeing to act as the pilot local authority.It was outlined that the National Transport Authority (NTA) are responsible for the management and delivery of the pilot scheme and is working with the council on this.Minister OBrien added: Planning for undertaking the pilot project is advancing for implementation over the next 6 months, with a steering group to be established shortly. The proposed membership of the steering group will consist of representatives from the Department of Transport, the NTA, Dn Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and An Garda Sochna.