PEDESTRIAN & CYCLIST FRICTION

PEDESTRIAN & CYCLIST FRICTION A workshop by the Dutch Cycling Embassy & Mobycon

GROWING PAINS‌ ...Of a cycling city Bicycle mode share in Tel Aviv, Israel has increased from 2 to 12 percent since 1999. With more bikes on the streets, new issues are arising that must be addressed. The Dutch Cycling Embassy and Mobycon Consultant Angela van der Kloof visited Tel Aviv, March 19-20, 2014. The Going Dutch Conference focused on sharing the Dutch approach to integrating bicycles into the urban transportation system.

The increased friction between cyclists and pedestrians was the focus of Angela’s workshop and the subject of this photo essay.

THE DUTCH SITUATION Step 1 The objective of the workshop was to help Tel Aviv learn from Dutch examples of education and traffic enforcement and use this approach to develop ideas for easing tension between cyclists and pedestrians.

Dutch cycling behaviour In The Netherlands, small children sometimes ride on the sidewalks, but often neighbourhood streets are safe enough for them to ride their bikes.

Education Children learn to ride a bicycle at a young age. Traffic education is taught at primary school, and at the age of 12, children typically take an exam to ensure they can safely bike to school alone. 70 percent of trips to school are made by bike.

Policy The bicycle is acknowledged as a legitimate mode of transportation in a multimodal system.

Perception People choose the bicycle – 40 percent of trips under 5 kilometres are made by bike – because it is convenient.

THE LOCAL SITUATION Step 2 The next step was to hear from the local stakeholders about the state of cycling in Tel Aviv.

More bikes, safer streets Tel Aviv adopted their cycling plan in 1999. Since then, mode share has increased from 2 to 12 percent. 18,000 people commute by bike daily. No less important, with more cyclists on the streets, the number of bike accidents has decreased by 50 percent.

Biking lifestyle A successful bike-sharing system has been launched. There are now 110 kilometres of bike infrastructure and 3,000 bike parking stands. Bicycling culture is inspiring fashion, styles and art.

BUT‌ There is still work to be done.

Bike infrastructure is distributed unevenly and connections to the surrounding area are lacking. Conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists have the potential to bring out the ugly side of humanity.

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses stakeholders see when they look at the situation was a good start for understanding how to apply Dutch expertise...

...THROUGH DUTCH EYES Step 3 Before the workshop, Angela toured the city by bike.

She took photos and explained the situation and challenges she found.

When bike lanes dead-end, cyclists are left wondering, “Where to now?�

Access?

What is the most appropriate and safest position for a cyclist trying to access the cycle track?

Target groups?

Who are the cyclists breaking the rules?

User Priority?

Situations for pedestrians and cyclists are not always clear.

Coherent?

Bike infrastructure needs to be better connected as a network across the city.

To separate or mix?

In the Dutch approach, defining when pedestrians & bicyclists need their own space has been a starting point.

Education and enforcement can only be effective when this is taken into account.

MOVING FORWARD After examining the situation, the next step was to start thinking about the right message to improve the situation for cyclists. Being exact and finding a message that is congruent with reality is crucial.

Congruence is there when the infrastructure matches the functionality and volume of users. For the perfect (bad) example, check out this video about trying to stick to the bike lanes in New York City, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzE-IMaegzQ

PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE Step 5 Working in small groups, participants realised there are a number of underlying problems leading to the friction between pedestrians and cyclists. Reflecting on these issues, they came up with a number of messages and actions, which they presented at the conclusion of the workshop.

By pursuing messages discussed, such as those promoting a safe and accessible city for all, and actions, such as educational programs for primary school children, the stakeholders who participated in the workshop have some concrete steps they can take to move beyond the current growing pains experienced.

We are looking forward to seeing how Tel Aviv continues to develop into a mature bicycling city where all modes coexist peacefully.

Dutch Cycling Embassy The Embassy shares Dutch knowledge about urban planning and mobility with communities around the world. For information about Embassy workshops, visit www.dutchcycling.nl

Mobycon For more than 25 years, Mobycon has been providing research and consulting services & products in the areas of traffic, transportation and mobility working in The Netherlands and beyond. Visit the website for more information, http://www.mobycon.com

Angela van der Kloof Angela is a Sustainable Mobility Consultant who focuses on stimulating behaviour change with the understanding that user experiences and needs always depend on the social, economic and cultural context. Connect with Angela on LinkedIn, Facebook or via email, a.vanderkloof@mobycon.nl.