Gertjan HulsterNov 25, 2022
Reducing traffic speed from 50 to 30 km/h in cities is now implemented in the Netherlands. The big issue here is that road design should be in line with the allowed speeds. This means that you can’t have separated bike lanes om 30km/h roads. Many of the 50km/h roads are too congested to allow mingling between cyclists and automobiles. To overcome this paradox Leiden implemented these traffic lights. They turn red when drivers exceed the 30km speed limit. Resulting in an almost serene atmosphere.
Show threadSally Bridge
@gertjanhulster I much prefer dedicated cycle lanes and go out of my way to find them, but here in the uk the cycling infrastructure isn’t great. The debate and action is far too slow particularly in London #cycling
Nov 25, 2022 at 9:11amWeb
Show threadGertjan HulsterNov 25, 2022
@Sally_Bridge It depends. If traffic is low I prefer cycle streets (Fietsstraat). These prioritize bike traffic over car traffic. Cars are not allowed to overtake cyclists. There are some examples on bus routes. So the busses stay behind cyclists. The Breestraat in Leiden is the most powerfull example.
Show threadSally BridgeNov 25, 2022
@gertjanhulster I can’t get my head round the fact that bikes take priority over cars, we are a long way away from this 🫤
Show threadGertjan HulsterNov 25, 2022
@Sally_Bridge This road is now converted to a cycle street: fietsstraat. This time done in red brick.
Show threadSally BridgeNov 25, 2022
@gertjanhulster how marvellous 😍
Show threadnormand 🚴Nov 27, 2022
@Sally_Bridge @gertjanhulster Even though I get the feeling that our cycling infrastructures here (Quebec City where I live and Montreal as well) get more love than in the UK, we are still years, maybe decades from such a radical change. 🙄

OTOH, In a span of 8 years (from when I started partly #BikeCommuting), with a revised traffic code and an accompanying province-wide government ad campaign, I've witnessed true change in a majority of motorists' behaviour toward cyclists.