Cycle Superhighway Extension - East.

As an aside, is there any evidence that segregation is actually safer or less safe in and of itself?

I can't help feeling it's more about people THINKING it makes you safer, thus encouraging more people to start cycling, and any net safety increase coming from increased cyclists on the roads.

Evidence of real improved safety is mixed and depends on the facility. Even segregated lanes have to cross junctions which is where in some cases people on bikes are less visible.

It's true that people perceive themselves as safer on separate lanes which is why the theory exists that if you build them people will use them (Not always the case: eg milton keynes); and why non cyclists say they will ride when there are separate lanes. Another point is that people will use them to get skilled up enough in their basic bike control to be brave enough to then use the roads. (6 months of cycle path use or 2 hours of cycle training may give a person confidence to ride with people in cars.