Collection of Cycle Concepts 2012.pdf - Fietsberaad

INTRODUCTION
that cyclists become more experienced in traffic;
inexperienced cyclists run a far greater risk than
daily cyclists.
Bicycle equipment and design have a major
impact on cyclist safety. Cycling in the dark down
a country road where there is no cycle track is
extremely risky without a tail light, for example.
In Denmark bicycle equipment and design have
to meet stringent requirements. Many other
factors have an impact on safety apart from
safety requirements. Cycling with a shopping bag
in your hand, for example, is not a good idea
from the safety point of view. A three-wheel bike
can be a good idea for the elderly. And all cyclists
can improve their personal safety by using a
helmet (not compulsory in Denmark) and bicycle
lights.
Control also plays a major role for traffic safety,
including bicycle and speed control. The bike
shop can inform customers of any regulation
infringements or other bicycle related issues,
and the police can help by increasing their
efforts to prevent dangerous and unlawful traffic
behaviour.
Information and promotional campaigns have
proved effective in improving driver safety.
Road safety campaigns need to be designed to
encourage cyclists to develop safer attitudes and
behaviour.
Road modifications are costly but are sometimes
the only solution to a specific safety issue. When
roads and cycle tracks are being dug up for
other reasons, this is an excellent opportunity to
change the road’s design, making it safer, more
comfortable, and more passable.
Road users make mistakes, so it’s important
to minimize situations where this can happen.
When mistakes happen anyway, minimize the
consequences of any accidents that may arise.
Cyclist safety can be improved in many different
ways. A more systematic approach is necessary,
and solutions should be aimed at the areas and
groups where they have the greatest impact.
One of the major challenges confronting cycling
promotion and safety is the need to implement
many different initiatives at the same time.
The whole issue of cyclist safety needs to address
cyclists’ sense of security as well. If cyclists don’t
feel secure, many will feel compelled to take the
long way round or even not bike at all. On the
other hand, especially in intersections, cyclists
shouldn’t feel so secure that they cease being
vigilant to possible dangers. The challenge
is to create safety and a sense of security by
enhancing cyclist vigilance.
GETTING A GOOD START
Encouraging more people to cycle requires an
active effort. A number of measures need to be
taken simultaneously to improve cyclist safety.
The aim of the Collection of cycle concepts 2012
is to provide a general overview of the field as
well as inspiration and motivation.
The Collection of cycle concepts 2012 is primarily
aimed at traffic planners, but can be usefully
read by anyone with an interest in cycling. The
publication consists of chapters that can be
read independently and is therefore suitable for
reference purposes.
Have a pleasant journey!