HighlightsSafety study of 255 conversions of intersections to single-lane roundabouts.High central islands are safer to cyclists than low at single-lane roundabouts.Central island diameters of 20–40m seem safest for cyclists.Separate cycle paths are safer to cyclists than cycle lanes at roundabouts.

    AbstractMay roundabouts be safer for cyclists than intersections? How are safe roundabouts designed? This paper tries to answer these questions on the basis of a before-after safety study of conversions of intersections to 255 single-lane roundabouts in Denmark. The before-after study accounts for long-term accident and injury trends and regression-to-the-mean effects. In order to relate safety effects for cyclists of various roundabout design features it is crucial to split the converted sites by speed limit, because safety effects for both cyclists and other road users of converting intersections to roundabouts depend heavily on speed limits on roads entering the converted sites. If speed limits are 70km/h or higher then converting intersections to roundabouts have resulted in bicycle safety improvements in Denmark. Results show that diameter and height of central islands and type of bicycle facilities at single-lane roundabouts have considerable impacts on cyclists’ safety. Central island diameters of 20–40m are safer for cyclists than smaller or larger roundabouts. A central island, which middle is elevated 2m or more above the circulating lane, is safer for cyclists than single-lane roundabouts with lower central islands. Single-lane roundabouts with separate cycle paths, where cyclists must yield to motorists entering or exiting the roundabout, are safer than roundabouts with cycle lanes. Single-lane roundabouts are safer for cyclists than intersections regardless of speed limits when these roundabouts have high central islands and/or separate cycle paths.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Safe roundabouts for cyclists


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2016-09-06


    Size :

    8 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Safe roundabouts for cyclists

    Jensen, Søren Underlien | Online Contents | 2016


    Roundabouts: safe for cyclists too ?

    Van Minnen, J. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1992


    Cyclists and Roundabouts

    Bosch, A. L. / Nottinghamshire County Council | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1993


    Cyclists in roundabouts—Different design solutions

    Sakshaug, Lisa / Laureshyn, Aliaksei / Svensson, Åse et al. | Elsevier | 2010


    Cyclists in roundabouts—Different design solutions

    Sakshaug, Lisa | Online Contents | 2010