Three methods are indicated for making the Dutch infrastructure for cyclists safer: (1) separating cycle traffic from motorized traffic; (2) controlling the motorized traffic speed where necessary; and (3) regulating intersection between motorized traffic and cycle traffic. Road designers should first know in what cases they should select any of these methods, and secondly which technical facilities or reorganisations are safe and under what conditions. In order to arrive at recommendations concerning these two points, five approaches were followed: a) a recapitulation of relevant conclusions from previous study; b) a theoretical assessment resulting in basic principles for safe cycling facilities; c) discussions with road administrators; d) accident data analysis; and e) behavioural observations. This summary report regroups the findings of these approaches according to these three methods and organises them logically. Larger cycle route sections have been defined, which consider intersections and connecting road sections as one whole. It is concluded that the average safety level for cyclists on separate cycle tracks was not different from that for cyclists on the carriageway. Differences were noted, however, between the urban and non-urban environment, and between situations with much and little motorized traffic.
Abstract