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

2. Copenhagen 1952 70 persons killed in traffic – 32 were cyclists

3. Copenhagen 2014 6 persons killed in traffic – 2 were cyclists

4. 5/22/2018
Copenhagen 1933
Aarhus 1934
Copenhagen 1953

5. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Reduce car speed: Speed humps

12. Reduce car speed: Police speed control

13. 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:

14. Urban area – examples

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

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

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

18. 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

19. 5/22/2018

20. Reduced visibility from a lorry - Special challenge for cyclist safety

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

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

23. 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

24. Pedestrian crossings can be improved
Islands improve safety

25. Pedestrian crossings can be improved
Islands improve safety

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

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

28. Rural area – examples High speed -> separation

29. 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

30. “2 minus 1” - good, inexpensive solution on minor roads
Both urban and rural areas

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

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

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

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

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

36. Good cooperation: school and police

37. Cycling tournaments in Copenhagen....

38. Constructing a bike ramp for playing

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