Traffic safety for cyclists and pedestrians Experiences from Copenhagen and Denmark Anne Eriksson agke@vd.dk Road Safety Expert, M. Sc. (Civ. Eng.) Danish Road Directorate VII International Conference on European Traffic Policies Barcelona, November 10-11, 2016

Copenhagen 1952 70 persons killed in traffic – 32 were cyclists

Copenhagen 2014 6 persons killed in traffic – 2 were cyclists

5/22/2018 Copenhagen 1933 Aarhus 1934 Copenhagen 1953

Planning and designing for bicycle traffic should be an integrated part of the road planning and design process - not only for safety reasons but also regarding flow/capacity

Separation or Integration? Are separate bicycle facilities always the best solution? If speed limit is 60 km/h or more: separation If speed limit is 30 km/h or lower: integration If speed limit is 40 or 50 km/h: depends on accident occurrence, traffic volumes, number and design of intersections

Lower speeds improve traffic safety and improves city life The car drivers myth: ”When the traffic is slow there are more accidents” Truth: Lower speeds means fewer and less serious accidents

Reduce car speed: Speed humps

Reduce car speed: Police speed control

Road Standards Denmark All road authorities and all types of roads Very few mandatory rules (mainly signing and marking) Guidelines and Best Practice Many standards available in English on: http://english-vejregler.lovportaler.dk/

Urban area – examples

Urban Bicycle Tracks – Danish Examples One-directional, separated from carriageway by curbstones

Cyclist accidents in intersections – mostly driver has the blame Important to make cyclists visible and speeds low

Right turning vehicles and cyclists - How to avoid accidents in signals Separate stage for right turning cars against bicycles going straight ahead

Right and left turning vehicles and cyclists - How to avoid accidents in signals Narrow cycle lane at intersections Blue cycle crossings Cykler i kryds: Blå cykelfelter, tilbagetrukne stopstreger, før-grønt for cykler, tryghedsforbedrende foranstaltninger

5/22/2018

Reduced visibility from a lorry - Special challenge for cyclist safety

Garbage truck with better visibility Glass doors Low cabin -Municipal transport should be safe! Garbage truck with better visibility

The cars – each generation is more safe New models also improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists

Pedestrian crossings are not always safe If there are more than one lane in each direction When speed is high When there is a need for crossing along the whole road section, for example shopping streets

Pedestrian crossings can be improved Islands improve safety

Pedestrian crossings can be improved Islands improve safety

Pedestrian crossings can be improved Islands improve safety Raised crossing gives lower speeds

Pedestrian crossings can be improved Islands improve safety Raised crossing gives lower speeds Street lights improves visibility, safety and comfort

Rural area – examples High speed -> separation

Two-directional bicycle paths in intersections Difficult for cars to yield to cyclists from both directions – can result in accidents Possible measure in rural area: Bicycles to yield when crossing side road

“2 minus 1” - good, inexpensive solution on minor roads Both urban and rural areas

For good and safe cycling and walking: - Remember road maintenance

For good and safe cycling and walking: Parking control is important

The cyclists: What to do Helmet No bags on handle Kids seat Light Reflectors

If you pratice your cycling skills you are more safe and feel more safe

The road users of the future Safe cycling starts at young age

Good cooperation: school and police

Cycling tournaments in Copenhagen....

Constructing a bike ramp for playing

Borrow e-bikes at local senior center 3939 Keep cycling! Borrow e-bikes at local senior center Thank you for listening!