Traffic calming as a fundamental element for successful bicycle promotion

Safe mobility is the basis for a working urban society. In the field of municipal transport planning the City of Hilden therefore concentrated in the last 14 years upon the development of extensive traffic calming. 

Within transport planning, we see extensive traffic calming as standing for the consideration of the interests of all road users.

As a result in Hilden all residential areas are so-called “30 kph-areas” (speed-restricted to 30 kph). Only in a few commercial areas and on a few main roads one can still drive at 50 kph. 

To achieve that, measures of different intensity were put in place to take consideration of the respective local conditions.

 Because of that :- 

• There are some main roads in Hilden where in certain sections a 30 kph speed limit is effective;

• Within 30 kph-areas there are certain streets with a 7 kph speed limit (traffic calmed home zones).

• In all speed-restricted areas there are several street alterations to really get the aspired low speed level.

In order to successfully achieve this, intensive communication and engagement with the public was required from the beginning. This was done through publications to all households and public meetings and ensured that the traffic calming had the backing of the complete community. With traffic calming itself the wish for safety was taken seriously.

In principle all road users are profiting by extensive traffic calming.

In Hilden the positive development of bicycle traffic is especially remarkable and delivers:-

• higher level of road-safety

• higher level of competitiveness (compared with the car)

• more room to move for bicycle infrastructure in existing streets.

So the bicycle became a natural and often-used part of Hilden´s traffic system.

This article shows the way Hilden came that far, it shows specific examples not only for traffic calming but for bicycle promotion also. The article also summarises the planning background, too.

	Warrington Cycle Campaign has over 200 members and is committed to making better use of the roads for all sectors of the community. Our main objectives are:- A safer environment by the adoption of a 20mph speed limit in all urban areas On-road cycle training for all children Better account taken for the needs of cyclists at road junctions and roundabouts Responsible cycling - using lights at night and respecting pedestrians Take a look at their website to view topical issues, etc
	20's Plenty For Us provides a wide range of resources, information and material for local 20's Plenty campaigners. These include many mixed groups where cyclists and pedestrians are working together for lower speed limits where people live.
	Cyclenation (formerly Cycle Campaign Network) works to create a nation of cycle friendly communities and is the federation of local cycle campaigns with nearly 90 such campaigns throughout the UK.
	CTC - the UK's national cyclists' organisation, are the country’s largest group of people on bikes. Their mission is to make cycling enjoyable, safe and welcoming for all. Their work includes high-profile campaigning on behalf of all cyclists.

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