A dedicated bicycle harbour bridge in Copenhagen. Photo cred: Mikael Colville Anderssen

Right now a lot of bicycle bridges are being built in many places in the world. A great idea to use “unused space”. I think dedicated bicycle bridges over the waters could be a great solution in Stockholm too. And imagine if they put in heating in it aswell, from let’s say something nearby that releases a lot of heat. Then you’d have zero snow and ice-maintenance. 

Ok first out, some new built beauties:

England! Connecting two communities. Really cute video where the kids say “I wish this bridge stay here forever”. ”The children can come home alone from school now” one lady says - really shows the importance of this bridge. Also couldn’t agree more with the kid: love the red colour…

Australia! Made a really nice commuter road, you cycle literarily IN the trees, and it’s a solution that preserves wild life aswell. Lots of research show that trees are not only important for peoples wellbeing, but for their willingness to ride a bike to work. 

There’s only one but in the creation of these two awesome bridges. (Cause they are really awesome). Guess what…

Yep, both of them are trying to see pedestrians and cyclists as one group, although they are not very similar at all.

These solutions will work but only to a certain extent. Because there will be an increase in cycling in modern cities, I promise. It’s already happening, everywhere. And, increase in cyclists + shared path = lots of conflict between walkers and cyclers… 

So, who wins the best-bridge-competition? Well, Amsterdam and Copenhagen… of course… By separating cyclists and pedestrians, everyone’s happy. This is a great thing to think about in an early stage of planning a bridge. 

Amsterdams impressive bridge looks like this. It’s really cool, I’ve ridden it myself. Think it was finished in about 2009..?:

Split into a section for pedestrians, and a 2-way bike section with a centreline for separating directions. Et voíla.

Copenhagen is on the same track. By many many years of experience, they also separate pedestrians and cyclists (This bridge is from 2006):

Copenhagen are actually in this very moment building another cycling bridge, calling it “The bicycle snake”. Good name on a 235 meter long bicycle ramp that will take the Copenhageners from A to B in a very efficient way.

And last but not least (and i know this one certainly fit into the “new build section” above!) The floating bicycle roundabout in Eindhoven… finished in june 2012.

This is like OMG:

I mean, firstly, just LOOK at the wideness of the bicycle path in the beginning, then the construction of the roundabout. Then the crowd. It’s like cycling heaven. Look at the kids!! (Fireworks are released in my body when watching this vid!! Hehe.)

Ok someone better calm down here.

Of course there are lots of more good examples, from other parts of the world. If you know of a good dedicated bicycle bridge or ditto, drop me an e-mail!