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November 28, 2005
Crosswalks of the Netherlands
You knew it was coming. My obsession with crosswalks had to include some snaps of pedestrian crossings in the Netherlands. So here they are...
This is a quiet street alongside a canal in Amsterdam. Every 100 feet or so there is a ped crossing like this. The stripes are brick version of the triangle "shark's teeth" that mean "yield" in the Netherlands.
Here's the same crosswalk as the pedestrian would see it. Note that it is slightly raised.
This is the tram boarding area outside the Amsterdam Central railway station. Do you know where you should cross the tram tracks?
This crossing is on the outskirts of Utrecht. Note that the "shark's teeth" face the red bike lane as well, indicating that the bikes also need to yield to peds.
Posted by Chris Smith at 7:14 AM
Comments
November 28, 2005 7:52 PM
Scott Mizée Says:
Thanks Chris! You're bringing back a lot of memories!
November 29, 2005 9:51 AM
Ron Swaren Says:
In Sellwood we went through a process to have a crosswalk placed at the library. I think what is needed is an inexpensive means to warn motorists that they are approaching a crosswalk. I have noticed, elsewhere, some use of paving stones or blocks that, through agitating a car's front tires, alert the driver. However, these may be considered a bit expensive to install, when they continuously cross all lanes. It would necessitate removing pavement, too.
Instead, how about locating a few small bumps where each tire track would be? Like lane divider bumps, but smaller. Perhaps mounted on a pin a pin, so a hole could be drilled and the bump emplaced. By studying exactly what pattern is both effective and cheap we could afford a standardized alert, functional in all conditions except packed snow. Bumps under the tire are always felt; a light can get ignored.
December 10, 2007 2:22 PM
wimpie25 Says:
I need to correct something about these so called "croswalks" in the netherlands. In belgium we have them to and it are by far not crosswalks. What you believe to be sharksteeth are only lines which indicate a bump (or shoulder). The only road markings that may be called sharks teeth is a row of drawn yield triangles. The lines on the traffic bump however also have the intention of slowing you down. Not all the bumps are crosswalks
December 10, 2007 3:14 PM
AL M Says:
GAWD, I love Amsterdam!
I visited there for three months awhile back,and woulda stayed but;
YOU CAN'T GET HOUSING!
(no joke)
August 2, 2008 2:42 PM
Wesley Says:
Hahaha, the first two pictures are speed bumps, not cross walks. The markings are just there so you notice them :)
