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The finishing touches to what is experimental junction design
even in the Netherlands. At first glance
this looks like an ordinary Dutch roundabout but the center island
is different. It will prevent motor traffic
from driving all around the roundabout, but people can cycle past
that barrier. This was a problem junction
in the City of Zwolle.
Where a main cycle route crosses a main route for motor traffic.
This created a conflict where both
streams of traffic met. To eliminate part of the conflict
motor traffic could only go straight and right.
It was not allowed to turn left. Cycling was allowed in all directions,
but cyclists had to give priority
to motor traffic. To improve the bicycle traffic flow
the city of Zwolle came up with a novel design.
A roundabout for cyclists but not for motor traffic.
This was achieved by creating a barrier
for motor traffic in the center of the roundabout. Motor traffic
can only drive straight on and turn right just as before.
But cycling is possible on the full circle,
and with the added bonus that people cycling now have priority
over motor traffic. When the fences were removed
the first cars carefully drove across the new junction.
And when the other direction was opened as well the bicycle roundabout was in full
swing right away. The first interactions were bit unsure.
But since the roundabout design is so familiar to Dutch traffic users
it was really instantly clear. All traffic simply understood this new junction
as a roundabout for which the priority is clear to all.
That is why most people soon dealt with the junction
in confidence. It was immediately apparent
that while speeds are low the flow of traffic is fast.
Which almost seems the trademark of Dutch traffic
Cycling benefits especially from this type of junction.
Fittingly called a bicycle roundabout.
People can ride non-stop through this busy junction.
Hopefully without hindering motor traffic too much.
Because now motor traffic does have to stop every now and then.