Brussels-area cyclists' organizations have joined forces to demand that the region's municipalities pay more attention to cycling roads that become 'invisible' as the pavement markings wear off and aren't replaced.
The problem is especially severe in areas with the heaviest traffic, and that's also where it is most dangerous for cars to not be aware that part of the road is reserved for cyclists and cars can't stop or drive on it.
“Marked cycle paths ensure a minimum of safety for people travelling by bike… except when the markings have disappeared,” the groups said in a press release. Brussels Mobility, the agency responsible, says it is re-doing the markings, and is switching to more-expensive but longer-lasting thermoplastic markings instead of paint.
Bicycle safety is an increasing issue in a number of cities, in part due to issues of road marking, higher-speed vehicles including scooters and e-bikes added to the mix. Another factor, according to a recent Dutch study: roundabouts serve to sort traffic, but can lead to dangerous conflicts between two- and four-wheel traffic.
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