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Study shows Dutch Style bikes lanes the answer
In the World of discussing how countries around the planet can encourage the masses onto their bike, there can be disagreement on how best to go about change. Some argue that car drivers need to encouraged to share the road, some think that cultural factors are why some countries cycle more than others and the list goes on.
Here at Cycling Dutch Style we have argued that safe, convenient and fun bike infrastructure and appropriate liability laws are a key feature of successful bike usage in countries that actually cycle (e.g. Holland).
This could signal a massive change in direction for the UK – finally moving away from this ‘vehicular cycling or the highway’ rubbish. Let’s hope this translates into some real change. Build it and they will come.
Add to that laws which put the burden of proof onto the more dangerous road user (strict liability and so on) and we might just see cycling creep above the 2% mark… Sharing the road is all well and good but motor vehicle drivers should be FEARFUL about injuring or killing a pedestrian or cyclist. The days of ‘sorry mate, I didn’t see you (SMIDSY)’ should be numbered.
Yep, couldn’t agree more Paul!
I wouldn’t hold my breath on seeing any ‘major’ bicycle infrastructure here in Australia. I don’t believe there will be any significant changes in our automobile society until Peak-Oil really begins to bite. Australian’s love their cars too much.
In regards to Cyclists & Pedestrians, car drivers already have a legal responsibility / duty of care to other road users. Not wishing to be too negative – but I’m not expecting any behavioral change on this front either. We still have car drivers who fail to even consider their actions towards other motorists – let alone have them consider cyclists & pedestrians.
Hi Paul,
“I wouldn’t hold my breath on seeing any ‘major’ bicycle infrastructure here in Australia. I don’t believe there will be any significant changes in our automobile society until Peak-Oil really begins to bite. Australian’s love their cars too much.”
I’m afraid you are probably right!
“In regards to Cyclists & Pedestrians, car drivers already have a legal responsibility / duty of care to other road users. Not wishing to be too negative – but I’m not expecting any behavioural change on this front either. We still have car drivers who fail to even consider their actions towards other motorists – let alone have them consider cyclists & pedestrians.”
This is true however stories like this make me question the integrity of the system! http://www.sydneycyclist.com/forum/topics/vulnerable-road-user-story
I am a proud nederlandser living in Perth. The main reason we will never have the cycling lifestyle like the dutch have is because our landscape is very hilly and the way that the councils have laid out the suburbs makes it more convenient to drive. Well done to you guys for trying to make our lives healthier, safer and more cycle friendly. I pray that Australia gets there act together and fixes the cycle route problems.
Hi Eva,
“The main reason we will never have the cycling lifestyle like the dutch have is because our landscape is very hilly and the way that the councils have laid out the suburbs makes it more convenient to drive.”
Hills can be overcome with electric bikes (and bikes with more than 3 gears!) which are taking the market by storm in Holland right now.
It’s true that the layout of the roads is not conducive to cycling however I would argue that the distances are not a problem. Most people would live max 2-3km from their local shops. This is the perfect distance for bike riding. The problem is, once you step out your front door of your house, it usually is very hard to safely navigate your way to the shops and have good secure parking. This all comes down to road planning. It is possible to change this but it will be a gradual process over many years I fear.
Eva seems to have forgotten that we may have few hills but a lot of “stiff breezes” as the group have experienced themselves
.
As for electric bicycles: it may be interesting to know that Dutch Railways – who operate the OV-fiets rental network – have added electric assist bicycles to their fleet. For now it’s a test, 10 bikes each on 10 main stations*. The first ride will be at the same rate as a non-electric bike so as to encourage trial rides, next rides will cost somewhat more although no rates have been published yet. During the six months’ trial period, users will be asked to give their impressions on an on-line questionnaire. What happens then will depend on the results and reactions.
* Breda, Den Haag, Eindhoven, Gouda, ‘s Hertogenbosch, Leeuwarden, Maastricht, Nijmegen, Rotterdam and Utrecht.
I can vouch for the winds we encountered (in NL) being about the same in terms of effort as most of the hills I encounter here in Brisbane (and Brisbane is very hilly).
Of course I avoid the *really* steep hills by going around them when I can but without decent cycling infrastructure this can be difficult.
In a way I prefer the hills for one reason: you know they’re going to end with a downhill; winds are relentless!
The big difference is infrastructure. If you have a safe place to ride (hills or not) it is easier. I hate going up hills with cars right next to me where there is no cycle path…
Isn’t Sydney in Australia creating a lot of bidirectional bicycle paths? Is it increasing ridership or is the helmet law hurting true progress from emerging? I’m visiting family in Malmo Sweden and they have quite an extensive network of bidirectional bicycle paths on ne side of the road. While not ideal practice, the paths are very popular. I’m sorry, I don’t even know where in Australia you are all from, but do you keep up with what goes on in Sydney?
Yes, they are and they’re coming along nicely. There are still gaps in the network that they’ve laid down, particularly problematic at intersections and the new cyclepaths are only in a tiny part of Sydney. It’s a start.
What is really interesting is that in the areas where these cyclepaths exist, it is attracting a different breed of cyclists – more women, children and many, many helmet-less riders (even though it is still illegal in Australia – and in Sydney it is a $50 on the spot fine).
Glad Sydney’s coming along and showing results despite your helmet law!
Thought I’d post a news story on Bicycle Helmets from the ABC today. Relevant to some discussions here…
Bike helmet laws saving lives, say researchers
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/06/23/3251272.htm
Safe Cycling
cheers Paul.
Thanks, Paul. We’ve posted a response to this study:
http://helmetfreedom.org/762/emotive-irrational-experts-claim-victory/
On Getup! there is a suggestion to repeal mandatory bicycle helmet laws please
support cyclists right to choose.
http://suggest.getup.org.au/forums/60819-getup-campaign-suggestions/suggestions/1543965-repeal-mandatory-bicycle-helmet-laws