Cambridge to get its first true "Dutch" roundabout

Such designs rely on drivers to respect the priority of cyclists on the arms of the roundabout even as they displace the cyclist more peripherally in the driver's visual fields. If the junction is a collision blackspot because drivers currently fail to respect the priority of cyclists using the conventional layout, I'm not clear why this will change with the new design. It may even make it more difficult for drivers to anticipate the movements of cyclists.

Still, if the design reduces motor  vehicle speeds, it may be safer. If the unfamiliarity of the layout makes drivers pay more attention, ditto. If a reduction in roadspace for motor vehicles results in an overall reduction in motor traffic, it may even be progressive for the environment.

As long as cyclists who desire brisk progress are still at liberty to take to take their place in the traffic on the classical line on the road, then little is lost.
 

Motor traffic reduction via parking taxation/congestion charging, better policing, strict liability, and proper collision enquiries are more important elements of policy to reduce road danger though.

It is great that Cambridge will get a new roundabout to a high standard for cyclists and other road users.

What is not great is the inacuaracy of this article. The previous roundabout does not require cyclists to leave the road it gives a choice of doing so or remaining on the road.

The accident within a week, within a week of what? And what evidence is there that this accident was caused by the design or otherwise. If so what other acidents have occured that supports this theory?

Please be accurate or you will lose credibility. Do not make up facts to support your article.

This article is the perfect example of why this country gets bad infra. Lavish praise is repeatedly poured on something that is inappropriate or just plain dangerous.

As a Cambridge cyclist, I can confirm that the traffic volume at this location will make this design  unsafe. Traffic coming fast down the 'hill' will be looking for vehicles as they enter the roundabout and any attempt to cycle across at even a sedate speed will be fraught. You will have to wait for a stopped vehicle, just like at any Zebra crossing

This design  should not be introduced on the Inner RING-ROAD in a country where currently motorists do not expect to give way to anything but another motor vehicle. Of course, I said that in the Consultation but as usual was completely ignored.

The only safe design at this location is grade separation. Further along the Ring-Road the previous attempt failed as well. Cyclists keep to the road as it is much safer.

Another error in the article: Hills Rd does NOT have a protected cycle lane. Traffic is free to enter at any time. Bin lorries, home delivery vehicles, motorists on mobile phones, taxis all use this convenient 'stopping lane'.

@SP59 - yep, all good points. It ain't broke yet though, never know - this one might actually work although I share a good deal of your pessimism...

Lets hope its more of a success than the last "dutch" style roundabout built in Cambridge which has been a poorly thought out utter disaster.

This roundabout is incredibley dangerous and the biggest problem with it is people come speeding off either Perne road or straight over from Fendon road onto Mowbray Road (the road heading upwards on the diagram), and don't indicate or take any notice of cyclists. 

There are also valid concerns about drivers actually bothering to take notice of the changed right of way; time will tell I guess.

Holy crap!! That island is going to cause more problems than a normal island could ever do. 

14 cyclist collisions in four years... and the solution is going to cause more.

The rules of an island are give way to the Right. This is telling drivers exiting the island to give way to the Left. 

Segragated lanes or even cycle lanes are not the answer, they all need to be removed entirely in the UK. Driver education and very stiff punishments are the only way forward.

I don't think we should be too negative about this. Most of us argue for quality cycle infrastructure, then when it comes along, we complain about it.

Ok, this might not work quite as well as in the Netherlands, where everybody is used to it and knows what to do, but it should be good. It does appear to be the best possible design for cycling and walking.

There's one just like that at Queen's Circle in Battersea. I've used it twice,. Never again. The cars ignore the traffic lights at the junctions and sail through when they're green for the cyclists. As a cyclist you get stopped repeatedly as you make your way around the circle and it's apparent that you are in the blind spot of large vehicles as they turn across the junction at about 45 degrees.

Every time I see one of these I just wonder why it's not just converted into a simple traffic light controlled cross-roads with traffic cameras.

I know the theory, and in a gentler world, I'm sure it would work, but my experience was pretty negative and I feel safer on a conventional junction.

Yeah a concern here is that it'll take some bedding in, cyclists will still get hit, and it'll be abandoned as proof that bits of the Dutch model don't work over here.

Considering most drivers seem unable to even use a signal these days i reckon it could be quite hair raising hoping they are going adhere to the give way.