Robbie:
I would also like to highlight a different section of the abstract:
"Extensive cycling rights of way in the Netherlands, Denmark and
Germany are complemented by ... *comprehensive traffic education and
training of both cyclists and motorists*, and a wide range of
promotional events intended to generate enthusiasm and *wide public
support* for cycling." [emphasis mine]
Until we start training motorists the way they are trained in Europe,
bicyclists need to be MORE visible to motorists, not way over on the
edge, and out of the drivers' lines of sight.
The other bit about the Netherlands and other places is there is a heavy
penalty for auto drivers who hit pedestrians and bicyclists, even if the
latter are "at fault." In fact, I believe if you are the driver of a car
in the Netherlands and have a crash with a cyclist, it is automatically
your fault. Period. This, I think, makes people a little more cautious
around bicyclists. Also, driver training is much more rigorous and
expensive there so the investment in your license is greater and maybe
the pain of losing it would be greater.
Apparently there was an attempt to codify the strict - car is at fault -
emphasis of Netherlands and others' laws into the EU "Fifth Directive"
on motor vehicles (and insurance) but insurance companies raised such a
howl (see http://www.moto.kiev.ua/issue/english/34321090902) that it was
watered down. Anyway, putting more blame on motorists for accidents and
teeth into enforcement would help but I doubt that could happen here -
everyone has a story of the bicyclist who shoots out of an alley or
through a red light and nearly gets hit (or sometimes does).
Then, there's always this:
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/dutch-cyclists-want-airbags-installed-on-the-outside-of-cars/
--
Cathy Van Maren
Upward Bound
176 Murphy
UW-L
La Crosse, WI 54601
608 785-8539
608 785-8757 (fax)
www.uwlax.edu/UpBound
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