Junction design the Dutch - cycle friendly - way

The Dutch build cycle paths right on their junctions. So they must have wider streets, right? Wrong! This video shows how it is done, no extra space needed.
More info: http://bicycledutch.wordpress.com/201...
And see part 2 of this video too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HDN9f...

• Category

  Education

[fractalsphere]

How does this work when a cyclist wants to go straight through the intersection and a driver wants to turn right? What sequence do the lights go, and who has the right of way at that time?

[markenlei]

Lights are irrelevant in that case, because a cyclist going straight always has priority over turning traffic. That is the basic rule in the Netherlands (and most European countries). The cyclists the green path through the intersection and goes before turning motor traffic. Mostly in a different green cycle.

[farque1000]

How is the car driver suppose to check if the intersection is clear of other cars if they are parked so far back from the intersection ?

[markenlei]

A driver simply obeys the traffic lights. If it is green a driver will have a clear passage. No turning traffic in his/her path either. That's how traffic lights work in the Netherlands.

[Don Cook]

Is this the same treatment that would be used on a multi-lane, median divided 60km/hr+ suburban arterial roadway intersection? 

[markenlei]

That would depend on traffic volumes. The way to lead cycle tracks along and over such a road could be similar, but a grade-separated crossing is more likely with higher volumes of motor traffic; like here: /watch?v=oBB2sNikaEE see also the blog post (link in info-box of that video).

[markenlei]

no the cyclists going straight on never has to yield for turning cars. That is the ground rule, straight going traffic including cyclists and pedestrians on the same road always have priority over turning traffic. That doesn't change. The whole design is made with the intention that the drivers do not have to look over their shoulders but can have eye contact with the cyclists and pedestrians because the drivers have already turned when they meet.

[markenlei]

the Dutch have to remove snow as well. And there are perfect solutions for clearing the cycle paths of debris, leaves and also snow.

[farque1000]

OK, I didn't see traffic lights in this diagram.. Just saying

[BennoTheDutch]

Check the complete overview at 1:54 - draw a line from where the first car would be standing and tell me how much it needs to be moved. If done correctly, you will see that it isn't a problem. For really tricky intersections, mirrors are used.

[Александр Пушкин]

this is just an example. But most of them (almost all of them) have trafic lights

[Joe90V]

Makes perfect common sense - that's why it will never be adopted in the UK. They'd rather send out police to fine cyclists on a pavement than penalise motorists doing 40 in a 20mph limit.

[Neil Clem]

Very nice Junction, it is safe and agreable for cyclists. Good Job!

[gabylitza]

I live in the Netherlands now and trust me it is way more safe and comfortable