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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
I tried the UK's newest 'Dutch' roundabout - was it really as confusing as some claim?
It was raining when I took a purple bike and helmet (borrowed from a friend) to the opening of a new £2m, "Dutch-style" roundabout built on an industrial estate in Hemel Hempstead. I had not ridden a bike since I was about 10 years old, so it was a little daunting to put myself in front of traffic on a new road layout. Cyclists similarly inexperienced might also be feel uncertain by the unfamiliar array of black, green, red and white road markings. The roundabout is funded by Active Travel England and the basic premise is that cars and lorries must give way to both cyclists and pedestrians - while cyclists must give way to pedestrians. The layout is markedly different to other roundabouts, which has prompted some criticism they are "confusing". So I had made sure to watch the three-minute CGI explainer video the local council created to help uncertain road users like me. The video warned me to keep an eye out for oncoming cars, despite having priority on my segregated cycle track. The roundabout joins three other Dutch-style ones in operation around the UK - in Cambridge, Sheffield and Chichester. They were first introduced in the Netherlands in the early 1980s and were declared the 'Holy Grail' of traffic safety, according to Dutch News. The country is famed for its cycling culture and infrastructure and, according to Urban Cycling Institute, invests €595m each year in infrastructure linked to bicycles. Since then they also become increasingly common in France, especially Paris, and have no headed over to the Channel. In the UK, council leaders say they will help make life easier for those wanting to cross these roundabouts on foot and on bike, while also helping to manage the speed and flow of traffic. The previous Conservative government cut England's cycling and walking budget by £380m in March 2023, according to Bike Radar - though the current government now announced a £291m funding package this year to create 300 miles of new footpaths and cycle tracks in a sign of the shifting momentum towards pro-cyclist transport. Nonetheless - the approach continues to receive a mixed response. In the UK, campaigners have raised concerns over people being confused by the road markings, and who has right of way, with the BBC reporting that Cambridge's Dutch-style roundabout has seen more collisions in the three years since it was built. And even in the Netherlands, concerns remain about accidents at the supposedly cycle-friendly roundabouts. Road safety advocacy group VVN pointed to research that showed 22.3% of roundabouts in the Netherlands had one or more bicycle accidents, 786 of which were the scene of serious incidents, Dutch News reports. But what's it like tackling the newly minted version on Boundary in Hertfordshire, some 30 miles north-west of London? The video warned me to keep an eye out for oncoming cars, despite having priority on my segregated cycle track. So, how easy is this to follow in practice? After a few false starts, I was off across the brightly coloured green cycle lane - which made it very easy to see where I was going. As I made my way onto the roundabout, a man zipping around it on an e-bike did look a little startled by the new configuration and shouted "it's a bit confusing" at me. The roundabout wasn't too busy when I cycled around it with a few cars and lorries who slowed down when they saw me coming. There were one or two lorries who put their foot down when they saw me on the approach - probably thinking they had the element of speed on their side to out-race me. It seemed that many of them were not too sure about the new road lay-out and being cautious of a young woman in high-vis teetering about. With my own cycle lane, it did feel a bit disorientating to be on the look-out for cars - even though I knew I had priority. But, with no pedestrians on a zebra crossing, a driver who is not familiar with Dutch-style roundabouts may believe they have a right of way – cyclist or not. Deciding not to risk it, I was quite wary of how fast I was going while constantly scanning the area ahead. One of the criticisms in Hemel Hempstead has been the location of the roundabout in an industrial estate not from the M1 turn-off and there didn't seem to be many pedestrians (or cyclists) using the snazzy roundabout when Yahoo News was giving it a test run. Even for an inexperienced cyclist like me, roundabouts like these that give priority to cyclists can ultimately only be a good thing - it quickly began to feel like second-nature and knowing motorists were slowing down ahead of time helped instil a bit more confidence. I can only imagine a more experience cyclist will be overjoyed at knowing they have their own designated lane and the traffic stopping especially for them. But putting one of these roundabouts in a location serving mainly delivery drivers in lorries... well, it does seem like it could have gone elsewhere. But what do some of the locals we met feel about it? David Coulson, 65, who regularly drives across the roundabout, told us he "couldn't believe" the cost of the works. "I wouldn't be surprised if people got killed or injured on it," he said. "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. "I drive but I also take a walk up here. I don't see much other footfall than myself," said Coulson, originally from New Zealand. "At least it's colourful." Finance manager Fred Theron, 52, works close to the new roundabout and cycles to work from Luton in the summer. He said: "The roundabout before was more dangerous because there are a lot of trucks using the it. "Cycling, you'd have to be in the road coming from Boundary Way and that wasn't the best. Now it's going to take a bit longer having to the cycle around the whole ring but it will be safer." Theron said it would take time for motorists to get used to the new road layout, adding: "Here, when I was walking across, there was a truck coming and I wasn't sure if he was going to stop. "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." Lib Dem councillor Adrian England, said he felt "perfectly safe" testing out the roundabout following its opening on Tuesday. "With anything new - especially when you're a cyclist and all you've got is your helmet - you need to look after yourself," he said. Meanwhile Stephen Giles-Medhurst, the executive member for Highways from Herts County Council, said he had a go on a bike and acknowledged it would take "a little bit of getting used to". "We hope to encourage more people to cycle or walk to their places of employment," Giles-Medhurst said. "It's safer, as the pedestrian crossings and cycle path go all the way round 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."Read more Family pays tribute to cyclist killed in collision by Wiltshire driver (Wiltshire Times) Scared of cycling in London? Here's how to do it safely (The London Standard) World Bicycle Day: How Rome is urging more people to ditch their cars and cycle (Euronews) Click below to see the latest South and South East headlines
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Yahoo
Someone stole my BBC broadcasting bike - it's like losing a friend
I was planning an ordinary afternoon out - bags packed, ready to roll - when I bounded downstairs and was hit by a jolt of disbelief. The space where my cargo bike should have been was empty, and the double lock that had bolted it to my Amsterdam apartment wall was hacked. My daughter darted between the other bikes, convinced someone must have moved it, but no, it was gone. With cycling deeply embedded in daily life here in the Netherlands - part of the "Dutch DNA", as we say - I have no car, so used my bike for everything, from the school run to a shopping trip. This was no ordinary bicycle. My colleague Kate Vandy and I retrofitted it to become a mobile broadcasting studio, which we named the Bike Bureau. I started "Dutch News from the Cycle Path", a reporting series born on the school run after my daughter asked me: "Why don't you just tell people the news now?" The bike allowed me to reach breaking news scenes and broadcast live from anywhere, my daughter by my side, showing that working motherhood could be visible, joyful and real. It opened doors to collaborations, awards and a community of people who saw themselves in our story. I have zero expectation of getting the bike back, and searching for it has proven fruitless. I called the police immediately and they opened a case, but closed it shortly afterwards because of a lack of evidence that would help find the thief. People online and in my local community have rallied round to try to find it since I put out an appeal. Neighbours asked if I was okay, telling me they loved to see me enjoy their bike lanes and see their city from my foreigner's perspective. But why, my daughter asked, do so many people care that our bike was stolen? Colleagues and friends responded to my Instagram Reel about the theft. Legendary BBC camerawoman Julie Ritson called my bike a blueprint for the future of journalism. Others said it was a relatable life-hack that showed how one person can manage motherhood and career, and inspired them to rethink what's possible with a cargo bike. It was solar-powered, cutting the need for satellite trucks with heavy equipment and the pollution that mode of transport brings. Research last year from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism shows audiences are not only interested in climate change news - they are particularly engaged by stories that highlight individuals taking empowering action in response to the crisis. Some people have expressed surprise that "this kind of thing" would happen in the Netherlands. What they may not realise is that bike theft is endemic here. Last year, more than 86,000 bikes were reported stolen in the Netherlands, up 1,000 compared to the year before, and 10,000 more than in 2022, according to police figures. Authorities say a rise in reports may have contributed to this. Most bikes stolen are stripped for parts or sold on. My e-cargo bike cost nearly €5,000 (£4,200) - more than our old car which I sold. I paid for the bike, so the BBC has undergone no financial loss. What it really bought me was independence - and in a way, losing it is like losing a friend. Aside from the impact on my own lifestyle, that bike gave my daughter a magical, nature-filled childhood: picnics in the dunes, detours to see highland cows, fairy lights in winter, breezy rides to the beach in summer. The theft has sparked conversations about urban safety, cycling infrastructure, and the burdens mothers still carry. But it's also a testament to the community we've built and the power of sharing authentic stories from the saddle. I might not get my bike back, but no one can steal what it gave us all. Why Dutch 'bike banks' are a game changer for kids He dreamed of a cycling revolution. Then an SUV crushed him Video guide made for new 'Dutch-style' roundabout
BBC News
24-05-2025
- BBC News
'Someone stole my BBC bike in Amsterdam - it's like losing a friend'
I was planning an ordinary afternoon out - bags packed, ready to roll - when I bounded downstairs and was hit by a jolt of disbelief. The space where my cargo bike should have been was empty, and the double lock that had bolted it to my Amsterdam apartment wall was daughter darted between the other bikes, convinced someone must have moved it, but no, it was cycling deeply embedded in daily life here in the Netherlands - part of the "Dutch DNA", as we say - I have no car, so used my bike for everything, from the school run to a shopping was no ordinary bicycle. My colleague Kate Vandy and I retrofitted it to become a mobile broadcasting studio, which we named the Bike Bureau. I started "Dutch News from the Cycle Path", a reporting series born on the school run after my daughter asked me: "Why don't you just tell people the news now?"The bike allowed me to reach breaking news scenes and broadcast live from anywhere, my daughter by my side, showing that working motherhood could be visible, joyful and real. It opened doors to collaborations, awards and a community of people who saw themselves in our story.I have zero expectation of getting the bike back, and searching for it has proven fruitless. I called the police immediately and they opened a case, but closed it shortly afterwards because of a lack of evidence that would help find the online and in my local community have rallied round to try to find it since I put out an appeal. Neighbours asked if I was okay, telling me they loved to see me enjoy their bike lanes and see their city from my foreigner's why, my daughter asked, do so many people care that our bike was stolen? A life-hack and so much more Colleagues and friends responded to my Instagram Reel about the theft. Legendary BBC camerawoman Julie Ritson called my bike a blueprint for the future of journalism. Others said it was a relatable life-hack that showed how one person can manage motherhood and career, and inspired them to rethink what's possible with a cargo was solar-powered, cutting the need for satellite trucks with heavy equipment and the pollution that mode of transport last year from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism shows audiences are not only interested in climate change news - they are particularly engaged by stories that highlight individuals taking empowering action in response to the crisis. Some people have expressed surprise that "this kind of thing" would happen in the Netherlands. What they may not realise is that bike theft is endemic here. Last year, more than 86,000 bikes were reported stolen in the Netherlands, up 1,000 compared to the year before, and 10,000 more than in 2022, according to police figures. Authorities say a rise in reports may have contributed to bikes stolen are stripped for parts or sold on. My e-cargo bike cost nearly €5,000 (£4,200) - more than our old car which I sold. I paid for the bike, so the BBC has undergone no financial loss. What it really bought me was independence - and in a way, losing it is like losing a friend. Aside from the impact on my own lifestyle, that bike gave my daughter a magical, nature-filled childhood: picnics in the dunes, detours to see highland cows, fairy lights in winter, breezy rides to the beach in theft has sparked conversations about urban safety, cycling infrastructure, and the burdens mothers still carry. But it's also a testament to the community we've built and the power of sharing authentic stories from the saddle.I might not get my bike back, but no one can steal what it gave us all.
Leaders
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Leaders
Dutch Municipalities Criticize Human Rights Violations in Gaza
Several Dutch municipalities have supported Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema who urged the government to hold Israel to account over its war in Gaza, according to Dutch News. Amsterdam City 'It is not without reason that the NIOD and many independent human rights organizations speak of genocidal violence. We must leave the political difference of opinion behind us,' Halsema said to the Amsterdam city council earlier this week. Halsema noted that when it comes to human rights there can be no double standards. 'That means that Hamas must be prosecuted, that means antisemitism must always and everywhere be fought. And it also means that the international community, Europe and the Netherlands must stand side by side with innocent Palestinians and Gazans who are being killed,' she added. Furthermore, the mayor said that she would take a step and send a letter to the Dutch government urging ministers to take actions against the ongoing war in Gaza. Utrecht city Importantly, Utrecht city council adopted a suggestion last week advising politicians to 'use the right words', stating that the council itself had been so hesitant regarding the use of the word 'genocide' in any contexts related to Gaza. Normally, it is not up to the municipality to speak out about international politics, but the terrible situation in Gaza and the violation of the ceasefire by Israel touches the hearts of our residents,' Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma said. Katwijk Municipality Meanwhile, the group Christen voor Israël organized an event in the seaside resort of Katwijk to mark the creation of the state 77 years ago. However, a group of counter demonstrators gathered outside the church and there were several clashes, and the police arrested some of the demonstrators. Leiden City Leiden Mayor Peter Heijkoop said it was time for the government to take a firmer position. 'Israel has the right to defend itself,' he told Nieuwsuur. 'But that right has limits. In the counter-reaction from the state of Israel, proportionality and humanity are now hard to find. And by bombing civilian targets and refusing emergency aid, the state of Israel is completely overstepping the boundaries.' Related Topics: Spanish PM Calls Israel 'Genocidal State', Ambassador Summoned for Reprimand Macron Accuses Israel of Committing 'Shameful and Disgraceful' Actions in Gaza Palestinian VP Discusses Gaza War with Qatari PM Short link : Post Views: 103
Khaleej Times
09-02-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Musk risks putting EU buyers off Tesla: Analysts
Elon Musk's rapprochement with US President Donald Trump, his backing of European far-right parties and attacks on diversity policies could drive European buyers away from Tesla, analysts say. In both Germany and France, sales of the electric pioneer's cars were halved year-on-year in January 2025, while a series of isolated incidents targeting Tesla have set off alarm bells among buyers and industry analysts alike. "Nobody wants to be associated with Musk's behaviour," said German automotive industry expert Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer. Yet the brand and its boss are "almost inseparable", he added. The backlash has been particularly strong in Germany, where Musk has voiced firm support for the far-right AfD party -- a political taboo in a country where the Nazi past remains a sensitive subject. Stickers bearing the message "I bought this car before Elon went crazy" started showing up on German Tesla cars, as they had in the United States. Musk, the world's richest man, also drew uproar with a gesture at a Trump rally critics likened to a Nazi salute -- allegations which the Tesla boss has rejected. At the end of January, activists projected a giant image of Musk's gesture and the word "Heil" onto the outside of a Tesla plant near Berlin. "Germany remains very sensitive to its history and Musk's political rhetoric is potentially toxic, given that Tesla consumers are partly motivated by environmental concerns," said German automotive analyst Matthias Schmidt. "The car is good," 60-year-old Enrico Parano said about his Tesla. But the Frankfurt-based banking executive said he would think "very carefully before buying it (today) because of Musk's behaviour", and that he was considering selling his Tesla shares. "It's scary to give money to this guy," said Adriaan, a young French doctor who bought his Tesla second-hand. He said he feared, however, an environmental catastrophe if the world put the brakes on the transition to electric vehicles. Other incidents targeting the Tesla brand or its owner, now a close adviser of Trump, have taken place outside Germany. In the Netherlands, a Tesla showroom was vandalised with swastika graffiti and anti-fascist slogans in early February, according to media outlet Dutch News. In Poland, Tourism Minister Slawomir Nitras said it was "necessary to respond firmly" to Musk, hinting at a possible boycott. Any boycott's impact would be hard to measure as Tesla has already been hampered by a number of obstacles in the European Union. Tesla's range of vehicles is ageing and the brand has been faced with an avalanche of competing models overcrowding a slowing market. Tesla declined to comment on the situation. Its global sales, however, remained stable last year and since Trump's election, company shares have climbed to a record high. "Tesla today is two sides of the same coin," said Ieva Englund of Swedish institute Novus, which conducted an online survey at the end of January. Englund said half of the Swedish population was either positive or neutral toward the brand, praising its innovative feat and environmental impact. Men aged between 35 and 49 years old, which Englund said could be considered as Tesla's main target group, remain "relatively positive" toward the brand. But the deadlock around Swedish Tesla employees who have been on strike for more than a year demanding better wages and work conditions, as well as Musk's recent actions "make everyone else see red", she said.
