Cycle routes completely separated from driving routes

http://hembrow.blogspot.com/2009/11/what-segregation-really-means.html

It is often assumed that segregated cycle provision must be next to busy roads. Many commentators from the UK and USA seem to think that the result must be conflict at road junctions. It need not be so.

Here in Assen much cycle provision is so well separated from roads that you're barely aware that cars exist when you cycle. You can see an example of this in this video.

We have a small artificial hill near our home which gives a very good view of some cycle paths and roads.

Cycle paths here have a lot of separation from the roads. So much that everyone feels confident cycling.


http://www.dutchbikebits.com
http://www.hembrowcyclingholidays.com

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• assen
• netherlands
• fietspad
• holland
• cycle
• paths

[whilliamwithh]

it's pity i'll never that where i live!

[DavidHembrow]

The population of Assen is 65000. Residents of the city make well in excess of 70000 cycle trips per day. At the local railway station there are 2300 cycle parking spaces and about 40 car parking spaces. If you want to know more please take a look at my blog, where there are all sorts of statistics like this and examples from other parts of the country.

[MewFushisDad]

Your right. It is a cultural aspect. The United Sates is a car centric society with less than 1% of 1% of the nation wide population using bicycles for transportation.

But none the less I wascurious as to the population of Assen. We have a year round population here of around 15,000 but with over 25,000 motor vehicles registered.

We are a microcosm of the United States and as a culture we are out of whack.

[xzaz2]

The population has nothing to do with %...

[MewFushisDad]

"You can pan back and forth all day. There are always cyclists to follow."

This time of year there are hardly any cyclists out and about. All this week riding to school and work, doing errands and back again I have seen perhaps 3 cyclists in my travels. in close to 75 miles traveled.

When I die and go to heaven, I hope it is just like Assen.

David

[MewFushisDad]

41% of all trips in Assen are done by bicycle. What is the population of Assen? On this small Island we have 70 miles of paved roads and over 25,000 registered cars. Nation wide in the States, the average car trip is 5 miles or less. I bet it's closer to 1 mile here. A quote I once read comes to mind. Dealing with traffic congestion by building more roads is like trying to cure obesity with a bigger belt. Will we ever learn? Yes. if we look to Holland as an example.

Great Video.

David

[MewFushisDad]

David

An excellent video showing such exemplary bicycle facilities.

I have never seen such exemplary bicycle facilities in America.

Here it is all about accommodating the automobile at the expense of all else. Here there are new "Safe routes to school" laws but there are no cycle paths I would send my children out on.

In the states the powers that be deal with the growing traffic problem by building more roads which leads to more traffic, more congestion, more pollution.

Regards

David

[538921]

Pitty the British government wouldn't take notice of sulch roads, and build them here instead of just talking of improving cycling.