3 days ago
Hemel Hempstead's 'Dutch-style' roundabout and how to use it
Road users are gearing up to brave a town's new "Dutch-style" unique highway feature was unveiled in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, on along Boundary Way, it became the country's fourth such roundabout after the first opened in Cambridge in how can you avoid breaking into a cold sweat trying to navigate the new route?
Golden rules
The golden rule for these roundabouts is that pedestrians have priority, and both cars and bikes need to give way to them. Cyclists are next in line, and cars must stop for them. Ultimately, if your mode of transport has more power, it comes with more responsibility.
Layers
Like an onion, there are layers. The outside of the roundabout is used by pedestrians, and there are zebra crossings positioned on each middle ring is painted green for the cyclists, and peddlers should navigate around it clockwise. The heart of the roundabout is for the drivers, and it should look reassuringly familiar to motorists.
Why are they 'Dutch'?
These "Dutch-style" layouts are named so because they were created in the cycling culture east of the North Sea is greater than in the UK, with bicycles used almost more than roundabouts have made waves on UK shores - Cambridge's development was followed by Sheffield in 2024 and Chichester in chiefs implement them to offer what they believe is a safer and greener passage for both pedestrians and that safety has been called into question by roundabout had more collisions in the three years since it was built compared to its predecessor over the same time will tell if Hertfordshire County Council's development proves to be a one thing is for sure: Lycra is optional for all users.
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