Another fine bike lane...

Geez, drivers and cyclists being courteous to each other. Who’dathunk?

BicycleCanberra said :

Many Aus road authorities have been grappling with what to do for cyclists at roundabouts for some time. Statistically roundabouts are generally safer for motorists but not so much for cyclists.

Lord help us! Canberra drivers struggle with roundabouts when just cars are involved. We also struggle with the green cycle lanes and exiting a road – and that’s a straight forward road. Start mixing cars AND cyclists on roundabouts and I foresee it ending in tears and honking.

Geez, can’t you guys take a hint!

niftydog said :

You should occupy the lane at a roundabout anyway, lest some nutbag overtake you at speed or try to beat you around the corner.

Just kidding. I agree with the above. Take your time and let’s all get home safely!

Compare this with the Dutch standard style of roundabout:

Note that cars and bikes are separated, and that cars must (and do!) give way at every crossing of the bicycle lane. The painted triangles show who must give way.

Even more spectacular is the floating bicycle roundabout: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxN2atgF7tQ

BicycleCanberra said :

Many Aus road authorities have been grappling with what to do for cyclists at roundabouts for some time. Statistically roundabouts are generally safer for motorists but not so much for cyclists. A recent Australasian College of road safety seminar recommended that the safest thing for the cyclist to do is to ‘take the lane’ which is what I gather you are supposed to do here though there is poor signage for the motorist. Netherlands on the other hand with 40 years of cycle planning if not longer keep cyclists separated and give priority to cyclists and pedestrians. What a novel idea!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhqTc_wx5EU

That’s a great roundabout example, but in Amsterdam the vast majority of motorists are very bicycle aware and have been for years. With the attitude of some motorists and cyclists in Canberra, a roundabout like this would be pure carnage here.

niftydog said :

You should occupy the lane at a roundabout anyway, lest some nutbag overtake you at speed or try to beat you around the corner.

Agreed, but where’s the exit for those not comfortable doing that? They seem to have boxed off the ramp to the path.

You should occupy the lane at a roundabout anyway, lest some nutbag overtake you at speed or try to beat you around the corner.

Many Aus road authorities have been grappling with what to do for cyclists at roundabouts for some time. Statistically roundabouts are generally safer for motorists but not so much for cyclists. A recent Australasian College of road safety seminar recommended that the safest thing for the cyclist to do is to ‘take the lane’ which is what I gather you are supposed to do here though there is poor signage for the motorist. Netherlands on the other hand with 40 years of cycle planning if not longer keep cyclists separated and give priority to cyclists and pedestrians. What a novel idea!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhqTc_wx5EU

There’s an interest blog entry on the subject of bad cycling infrastructure in the Canberra Times. I ride most days in this location and always move to the roadway and take the centre of the lane, when safe to do so, so that I’m not squeezed into gutter by cars that really aren’t paying attention and try to turn left across my path.

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/executive-style/fitness/epic-bike-lane-failures-20130814-2rw29.html

Is the small gap between the gutter and the small island supposed to the bike lane?