PEDESTRIAN & CYCLIST FRICTIONA workshop by the Dutch Cycling Embassy & Mobycon

GROWING PAINS…

...Of a cycling cityBicycle 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 1The 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 behaviourIn The Netherlands, small children sometimes ride

on the sidewalks, but often neighbourhood streets

are safe enough for them to ride their bikes.

EducationChildren 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.

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

PerceptionPeople choose the bicycle – 40 percent of trips

under 5 kilometres are made by bike – because

it is convenient.

Step 2The next step was to hear from the local stakeholders

about the state of cycling in Tel Aviv.

THE LOCAL SITUATION

More bikes, safer streetsTel 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 lifestyleA 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 3Before 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.

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

MOVING FORWARD

Step 5Working 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.

PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE

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 chan-

ge 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.