Vuka Bump used on NMT Cycle lanes

[Caltrigger]

Good day,

 

City of Cape Town (Transport for CT) have specified and are using the Vuka Bump (TCT) as a delineation medium on their shared Cycle lane spaces. I would like to get feedback from any cyclists who have ridden along these lanes.

 

Unfortunately there is no perfect product that would keep cyclists 100% safe and be road friendly for vehicular use in a shared environment. We developed the Vuka Bump as the better option rather then the best option as the best for one user seems to be the worst for others.

 

Designed to be a warning system to cyclists who can hear if a vehicle approaching from behind is crossing into the cycle only portion of the road as well as an audible and tactile warning to drivers that they are entering a protected area of the road.

 

i would like to know your thoughts

 

Safe Cycling

[Eddy Gordo]

I think if the cycling lanes like above had bollards, it would be better.

If there are parking bays,then cycling lanes, then traffic, then this should be swopped for cycling lanes against the kerb, then Parking space, then traffic. 

For me Bollards are the only safe option, these bumps will do nothing but create noise when a vehicle rides over it

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

I think if the cycling lanes like above had bollards, it would be better.

If there are parking bays,then cycling lanes, then traffic, then this should be swopped for cycling lanes against the kerb, then Parking space, then traffic. 

For me Bollards are the only safe option, these bumps will do nothing but create noise when a vehicle rides over it

^^this

[Caltrigger]

Valid point.

 

I believe the issues that lay beneath the reasons for not using a vehicle proof option like bollards is due to the lane still needing to be accessed in emergency cases. Unfortunately in most cases the use of existing infrastructure is a necessary evil. These are the issues the engineers unfortunately have every time a design is needed for a NMT, not an enviable task to try and keep all parties happy. 

 

I might agree that the fool proof way is a total divide between cars and cyclists but it really isn't a possibility in some cases and we only manufacture and dont design the layouts fortunately for us.

[(Deon)]

I sort of agree with the bump given the circumstances of the city not being able to restructure the roads for the best option - as Eddy says. 

 

So for the purpose of meeting and satisfying demands on the road for all users, it's something which is always better than nothing.

 

The fact that it exists means safety has been a consideration from the city's side. It would help however if drivers were able to understand the city's need for a cycle network. Driver's not understanding is where the project falls flat and for me that is still the bigger issue. 

[Tubehunter]

That cycle lane is such a waste of time through Woodstock. At any given time there are a minimum of 5 - 8 vehicles parked along that stretch from the circle through to Albany Bakery. you have to cycle in the road and leaving door space means you're beyond the middle of the lane as the cars parked in the cycle path already protrude into the driving lane... 

[Tubehunter]

Oh and the very rare days that you have no cars in the cycle lane, it's practically chaos dodging the pedestrians who simply step off the pavement into the cycle lane before looking, especially with all the pillars on the pavement edge. 80% for intention. -20% for design that's functional for actually using the designated road space as a cycle path!

[DuncanCT]

I think what they are ment for, they are good. Might be slightly better if they were spaced a little further apart. Would make it easier to leave the cycle lane if there is a car parked in it.

[Rocket-Boy]

The vuka's are a good deterrant for cars driving over them, its not a pleasant experience.

Still they could slowly dodge them and then proceed in the lane for a while assuming the lane is wide enough.

[Capricorn]

I think what they are ment for, they are good. Might be slightly better if they were spaced a little further apart. Would make it easier to leave the cycle lane if there is a car parked in it.

 

yeah, funny potholes, glass, and almost always where the bumps are . Slightly wider spacing would make for easier and quicker lane exit and entry to avoid the tyre destroyers.

 

But i fully appreciate their employment despite the lack of space. The city should be applauded for it. That said, driver education as to the use of that green strip needs to be enforced.

[milky4130]

[Knersboy]

image.jpeg

I lived in NL for about 5 years, when I first got there I thought the fietspad was a pavement. I pissed many a cyclist off that day.

[Caltrigger]

Bump

[Tatt]

Would love them on every road.. In the UK they are all over and give sleeping/texting drivers a wake-up... 

[Caltrigger]

Would love them on every road.. In the UK they are all over and give sleeping/texting drivers a wake-up... 

 Thanks Tatt,

 

That is actually their sole purpose, there isn't always the option if creating a barrier that cannot be bridged so these were designed as an awareness aid. So many road users both vehicle and bike are distracted by so many things whilst driving and riding and the idea ia to have a passive reminder/warning of impending danger.

[Caltrigger]

We are looking to approach some of the bigger centers that already have cycle lanes with only painted lines, DBN, JHB etc.... Does anyone know who heads up any cycling organisations that may help us get momentum in these centers?