N11 Foster Avenue Traffic Lights Questions

the other problem with the so-called murder strip design is that when traffic is heavy the left-turning queue just sits on top of the cycle lane and you can't get past.

Any cyclist who routinely cycles in heavy traffic isn't going to be phased by cycling between 2 lanes of traffic on that design, but one of the main points of building more cycle lanes is to get more people cycling, and they won't do it unless they feel safe. One of the problems with discussion on here is that it's 99% regular cyclists who are used to interacting with traffic, but there's a huge cohort of occasional or non-cyclists who would cycle more often but won't do it in traffic.

It looks to be working well here in fairness. There's even a sign up about the change in traffic signal sequence.

As the number of people using bikes to get around increases, well designed, segregated cycling infrastructure will make much more sense. Cyclists will have to cede priority in some instances and motorists will have to cede priority in other cases. In the case above motorists turning left have to cede priority initially. Then I presume bikes going straight in the bike lane will have to stop to allow cars turn left even though cars can probably continue straight. Net result is some minor delays but good segregation encouraging more people to use bikes to get around.