I really can't add anything to this story from the fietsberaad, so I'm repeating it verbatim below:
The minor road N302 in Harderwijk will soon be overhauled completely. A bicycle transfer point is provided for motorists willing to cycle the last stretch to work during construction operations. In addition they will be provided with a free bicycle.
plaatje
Overall 150 people will have a transfer bicycle on loan during work on the N302. In return they are expected to cycle to work from the transfer point at least three times a week (in a five-day working week) over fourteen months. Anyone meeting these requirements is allowed to keep the bicycle (at a value of 700 Euro) afterwards. The electronic entrance to the bicycle shed registers daily who is retrieving and returning his bicycle. Participants may choose from eight different types of bicycle. Participation is completely free. The underlying reason is that supplying and maintaining a bicycle transfer point is expensive, but a shuttle bus is far more expensive. By now over 150 people have applied for the free bicycle.
Cyclists do quite well over here when there are road works. We've more examples, including how road lanes are reserved for cyclists during road works.
Great story! But EIGHT different types of bicycles... was that really necessary? ;-)
ReplyDeleteWow, great campaign!
ReplyDeleteHow great this would be for Manchester, where at the moment a series of roadworks and tram improvements mean crossing the city centre takes an eternity by any means you chose - even bikes are not immune, as roads jam and pedestrians grow more careless as they grow to expect 'no cars' means 'no vehicles' (so why look before crossing?).
ReplyDeleteWow! I wish we had something like this in the USA! What a great incentive to ride a bike!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I was surprised to find a 'free' ferry for cyclists and trucks when I was riding towards Amsterdam from Flevoland in January 2008 when the bridge was closed...
ReplyDeleteHere in the UK they'd just post a 20 mile detour and tough...