As a keen cyclist and also driver, I completely disagree with MW of Chatham, who says that cyclists should stay at the back of the queue at traffic lights. I never drive into the centre of town as I hate causing congestion and pollution in my car by sitting stationary at the lights. Cyclists cause no congestion or pollution and have to make more effort than car drivers.

Why should they stay behind all those vehicles, breathing in stinking exhaust fumes?

The other main reason for advanced stop areas for cyclists is that many cyclists are killed by drivers, especially lorries, turning left at junctions. As a cyclist I find junctions that don't have the advanced stop area very dangerous, and I certainly don't wait at the left of any vehicle - I move to the front of the queue, for my own safety.