New Floating Cycle Roundabout (2012)(bicycledutch.wordpress.com) |
New Floating Cycle Roundabout (2012)(bicycledutch.wordpress.com) |
We like our cyclists.
The floating roundabout does have the disadvantage that you need a bigger height difference to allow the cars to pass below it.
Or just normal engineers/managers working within a system that doesn't bleed money to "not quite technically corruption" at every step.
https://goo.gl/maps/dfKWDZjcjsKa5sjM9
There's quite a contrast between the elegance and simplicity of the bike route and the seeming chaos of lane markings of the underlying motor vehicle intersection.
And I'm not sure civil engineering jobs like this are more efficient en masse. They're all essentially one-off?
Also, bike roads are not as overly constructed like car roads (maybe just 1 or 2 layers of asphalt instead of more)
The Berekuil is nice, but very confusing as to what direction to go as you no longer can see the roads once you are down in there.
The floating cycle roundabout OTOH is fantastic as you keep having a great overview. It really is a marvel of engineering.
The slope is not a problem on either of them for the average bicyclist in the Netherlands.
edit: Just noticed that the referenced Berekuil above is another one in Utrecht. I meant this one [1]
I don't see how someone would want to go on main street if you have an option to drive on a separate road.
The above is purely a public policy decision. We (as in we the people) can decide to change this.
As for the why: car and bicycle speeds are just too different. Segregation improves life for both, and especially safety for cyclists, who will always be at a physical disadvantage in an accident.