Well-designed, protected bike lanes are not only the desire for riders, but a necessity for cities to offer sustainable transport. Bikes sales are on the rise and it is imperative that cities meet the growing demand. As Portland-based planner Nick Falbo describes: "If your city is designed so that you may bike instead of drive, it would be a happier, healthier place to live." With that in mind, Falbo has revealed a systematic proposal that can make the intersections safer for bicyclists, cars and pedestrians.
Fours steps for safer crossings, after the break...
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"Sharing busy traffic lanes with cars is absolutely unacceptable, and separation by a line of paint is often not enough," explains Falbo. Therefore, he suggests these four solutions:
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- Install a corner refuge island that increases a safe haven for bicyclist and pedestrians.
- Install a forward stop bar that would increase bicyclist visibility, give them a "head start" in front of cars, and shorten the distance of the crossing.
- Setback bicycle crossings 6 meters from the intersections to increase reaction times.
- Install traffic signals for bicyclists.
Via Plataforma Urbana, PeopleforBikes