When applying the `sustainable safe' traffic concept in rural areas in The Netherlands, one is confronted by problems which are in part unique to these locations. The first step of this report is to define these problems. The standard `sustainable safe' classification and optimization of the road network, both for motorized and cycle traffic, is used as a basis for the infrastructural approach. Solutions are proposed for those problems specific to rural areas which largely result from the relatively high incidence of long and narrow roads with low intensities of use. It is considered how provisions can be made to cater to local traffic which is not able to use the regional distribution roads. The report investigates when, and to what degree, distribution roads are also required for inside built-up areas. For the `speed control' subject, the report discusses an approach by means of: (1) infrastructural measures such as roundabouts and traffic humps; (2) measures to influence the road user behaviour such as police enforcement and information campaigns; and (3) by means of future possibilities of speed control devices. The report describes how the public transport can make an important contribution to a `sustainable safe' traffic and transport system. The report concludes that suitable solutions are feasible for rural areas in order to enable the introduction of that system.
Abstract