Novel idea!
By taking the signs away, the theory continues, people will act more responsibly. In other words, instead of chaos, the results have been quite surprising. Speeding dropped by more than half, and accident rates fell as well.
The idea is that old-fashioned values have been reintroduced. With no instructions to rely on, drivers make eye contact with other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.
The concept, called “Shared Space,” has been introduced in over a dozen Dutch towns as well as various other towns and cities across Europe.
Wide sidewalks, nearly invisible curbs, and no lane lines have increased the number of things that the motorists on Handford Road need to pay attention to, and these changes give bicyclists and pedestrians a larger share of the “road.”
This strategy is not a cure-all, and importing the idea to American suburbs is improbable at best. However, “If you design a street like a gun barrel, drivers will drive like a bullet”, according to Ian Lockwood, a traffic engineer in Orlando, Florida.
The experiment is still quite young, so solid data is not yet available, but it does get us to thinking about our responsibilities to “Share the Road.”
The same laws that apply to motorists apply to cyclists. Drivers need to recognize hazards cyclists may face and give them space. Motorists must follow the rules, including the new state law that requires a minimum of three feet passing clearance when passing cyclists on the road.
Pedal Power Pays
Ride a bike 10 miles to work round trip, and save gas money.
50 miles per week equals 2500 miles per year, times 20 cents per mile, saves you $500.
Cycling—good for your wallet, good for your health, and good for our planet!
