Video: How to use the UK’s first Dutch-style roundabout in Fendon Road, Cambridge
A video has been released showing how to use the UK’s first Dutch-style roundabout, which is opening in Cambridge on Friday (July 31).
The Fendon Road roundabout is designed to give equal priority to cyclists and pedestrians ahead of motorists.
The aim is to improve the safety of the site, which has a poor accident record.
But the unusual nature of the roundabout has prompted Cambridgeshire County Council to release a video to guide motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.
In particular, motorists need to remember to give way not just when they arrive at the roundabout, but as they exit it, as the cycle path - in red - rings it.
Cllr Ian Bates, chairman of the county council’s highways and transport committee, said: “This project will improve the safety and experience for everyone using the roundabout and encourage more people to cycle more safely.
“To help cyclists, pedestrians and motorists understand how to approach and use the roundabout, there are some short videos to explain this.”
The roundabout has had its fair share of controversy, with delays to completion and costs spiralling from an estimated £800,000 to £2.4million as unexpected work was required on utilities.
This caused significant impact on local bus routes, to the anger of some residents.
The Covid-19 pandemic also led to delays to the completion of the work.
But the council says the existing roundabout was perceived by many people to be dangerous to cycle around, and residents also reported feeling unsafe when walking in the area due to a lack of pedestrian crossings.
It is sited in an important route on the way to schools, Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.
The design, developed with guidance from Dutch engineers, is also expected to encourage motorists to drive more slowly.
For more discussion on the roundabout - with reaction from cyclists, transport experts and residents - look out for this week’s Cambridge Independent newspaper, in shops now.
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