Good Cycling Facility of the Week: 19th June 2014

Not very exciting or glamorous, this is a mundane example of good practice - a cycle track crossing of a minor side road in Amsterdam.

The cycle track is continuous - no give way markings, or lines in the track - as is the footway beside it. This gives a clear sense of priority to drivers who are crossing it. 

Likewise the cycle track and footway are at a continuous raised level, which means drivers have to go up and down a ramp to enter the side street. Again, this reinforces priority, as well as slowing vehicles effectively.

The final detail is they way the cycle track is set back from the junction. This allows drivers to turn off the road, and wait for anyone who might be passing on the track, without obstructing the carriageway. Likewise it also allows drivers to wait to enter the main road, without causing an obstruction. The cycle track and the road are dealt with in two stages, which is safer than having to deal with both simultaneously.