Pinch point

An element of road design which narrows the carriageway artifically - often at pedestrian junctions - with the intent of slowing and calming traffic. Pinch points are often a source of considerable risk to cyclists, as anyone cycling in the inside of a lane is then forced into the main flow of traffic at each pinch point.

Whilst those comfortable with vehicular cycling will have no trouble with this, the prospect is much less attractive to people who generally don’t cycle.

Countries with high cycling take-up tend not to force cyclists to use pinch points.