Fundamental flaw at London's first cycle light junction

The arrival of Britain's first shoulder-height, bike-only traffic lights was never going to be greeted with fanfares by cycling campaigners.

The new signals were switched on today at Bow roundabout in East London. The interchange, where three cyclists have died, has become one of the most notorious in London.

Boris Johnson described the traffic lights as an "innovative measure" but cycle groups gave them a more cautious welcome. Gerry Thomas from Tower Hamlets Wheelers said the lights were a cosmetic addition but the layout of the junction remains fundamentally flawed.

City Hall and Transport for London are undertaking a review of the roundabout and more changes are likely. But the mayor's Cycling Commissioner Andrew Gilligan admitted there is no such thing as a perfectly safe junction.