Anarchy in the streets

[xromad]

From “Roads and Bridges” magazine… November 207

 

Anarchy in the streets

 

The German town of Bohmte is taking the exact opposite approach to traffic safety. Instead of adding signs, they’re removing them. In fact, this summer they completely did away with traffic signs, stoplights and even sidewalks. All in the name of safety.

 

The concept, called “shared space,” was developed by Dutch traffic engineer Hans Monderman. The idea is that if drivers and pedestrians don’t have signs or rules to rely on, they will be forced to take responsibility for their own safety. If it sounds dangerous, it is, and that’s by design. Drivers slow down and pay more attention out of sheer terror, and that makes everyone on the road safer.

 

Shared space was first implemented in the small Dutch town of Drachten in 2003. Signs, lights and road markings were removed, and major intersections were replaced with roundabouts. Since then, serious accidents and road fatalities have been replaced with minor fender benders. The town also has seen a huge decline in traffic jams, as well as a surge in bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

 

 

http://roadsbridges.com/Oh-so-mature-article8683

[Boxologist]

i thought this this would be about the SAn Fernando Valley Illegal Soapbox Derby League.

 

truth is stranger than fiction.

[scannon]

i thought this this would be about the SAn Fernando Valley Illegal Soapbox Derby League.

 

truth is stranger than fiction.

 

Wow, that brought back some memories. About 15 years ago I used to race in what was called Gravity Formula One (GF1). We all had spec cars with enclosed wheels and the same bodywork, you were only allowed to change wheels, tires and bearings. It was a laydown driving position and only your helmeted head was above the body with a roll hoop over your head. They were so low that you could feel a Botts dot on the belly pan.

 

Race speed speeds were in the 70 - 80 mph range but with a good hill, well over 100 mph was possible. I still have the car and sometime I'd like to take it to the top of Loveland pass or the Eisenhower tunnel and have a run down.

 

Skip

[slngsht]

From “Roads and Bridges” magazine… November 207

 

Anarchy in the streets

 

The German town of Bohmte is taking the exact opposite approach to traffic safety. Instead of adding signs, they’re removing them. In fact, this summer they completely did away with traffic signs, stoplights and even sidewalks. All in the name of safety.

 

The concept, called “shared space,” was developed by Dutch traffic engineer Hans Monderman. The idea is that if drivers and pedestrians don’t have signs or rules to rely on, they will be forced to take responsibility for their own safety. If it sounds dangerous, it is, and that’s by design. Drivers slow down and pay more attention out of sheer terror, and that makes everyone on the road safer.

 

Shared space was first implemented in the small Dutch town of Drachten in 2003. Signs, lights and road markings were removed, and major intersections were replaced with roundabouts. Since then, serious accidents and road fatalities have been replaced with minor fender benders. The town also has seen a huge decline in traffic jams, as well as a surge in bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

 

 

http://roadsbridges.com/Oh-so-mature-article8683

 

heh... if they really want to fix the problem, they should also include handguns. That way, in addition to being safe, people will be polite as well

[Kitcat]

Great concept as long as you have a GPS, like a Garmin. I did 2 weeks in Italy this year and never figured out the signs-But w/our polite, english speaking Garmin tellling me where to turn, etc., it was no problem, or, as we like to say in Italy, non problema.