6 days ago
New roundabout opens in UK as locals get 3-minute video in how to use it
The £2m roundabout features a two-way segregated cycle track, a 3m wide footway, and a central island
A 'Dutch-style' roundabout that comes with a comprehensive three-minute tutorial video has been opened in an English town, sparking debate among locals. The £2m construction in Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire is now open for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
Users of the innovative junction are instructed to yield to pedestrians first, followed by cyclists, before giving way to other vehicles, reports Bristol Live.. Local David Coulson, 65, expressed his concerns, saying: "I wouldn't be surprised if people got killed or injured on it. I also can't believe they spent this much money. It's right off the M1 - you're not going to get many pushbikes coming off there."
He added: "I drive but I also take a walk up here. I don't see much other footfall than myself. I think they've done it because we've also got the Magic Roundabout and now they can say we've got both. At least it's colourful."
Finance manager Fred Theron, 52, commutes by bike during warmer months from Luton and has reservations about driver awareness. He said: "I'm not sure if motorists will know how the cycle aspect works with having to give way. But I do think it's a good initiative and hopefully more people will cycle to work like I do."
One sceptical local who chose to remain anonymous criticised the project as 'a complete waste of money', saying: "There are no pedestrians up this way really to give way to. There's more important things to worry about like homeless people. There was nothing wrong with the old roundabout."
Local councillor Adrian England took the new Dutch-style roundabout in Hemel Hempstead for a spin. He said: "I cycle everywhere in Hemel Hempstead. With anything new - especially when you're a cyclist and all you've got is your helmet - you need to look after yourself. I felt perfectly safe today and I've come up along the cycle way."
Stephen Giles-Medhurst of Hertfordshire County Council said: "We hope to encourage more people to cycle or walk to their places of employment. It's safer, as the pedestrian crossings and cycle path go all the way round it."
Reflecting on his experience, he added: "I had a go on a bike this morning and it will take a little bit of getting used it. Vehicles are slowing down, maybe because it's new, but I didn't have any near misses. You can't engineer out someone being stupid."
Local residents previously criticised the roundabout for its perceived complexity, leading Hertfordshire County Council to release an instructional CGI video. The video, lasting three minutes, educates cyclists to give way to pedestrians and stay alert of vehicles, despite having priority in their dedicated cycle track.
It furthermore outlines the rule requiring cars and lorries to give way to cyclists and pedestrians both when entering and exiting the roundabout. Funding for the roundabout was provided by Active Travel England, the government's agency tasked with fostering walking, cycling and wheeling.
At present, there are three Dutch-style roundabouts in use across the UK. The first was launched in Cambridge in 2020, succeeded by another in Sheffield in December 2024, and the most recent one began operation in Chichester in February 2025.
