To follow up on our previous post about Bryggebroen, we've come up with a number of solutions that will help reorganise the surrounding space according to cyclist's Desire Lines. Here's how.
First of all, we suggest that the stones be removed as they represent a risk in the case that cyclists fall. Secondly, it is necessary to organise the space by re-painting the ground to indicate the different cycling flows.
Thirdly, we advise that the area can be improved by upgrading the gravel areas to create pedestrian-friendly spaces.
Organization through painted surfaces
In a similar fashion to Copenhagen's blue bike lanes, we think that paint can be a solution to channel the flows, giving more freedom to the cyclists and pedestrians when it comes to the trajectories they want to follow. Most importantly, we just think that creating urban art based on Desire Lines would be fantastically cool. We would love to see it.
Commuters need to understand that this space is not a bike track, yet is neither a sidewalk or a square.
We already noticed that most of the cyclists naturally slow down when they ride on this shared-space, and then again when they reach the cobblestones.
We suggest the creation of a “Human Zone” instead of an area divided by stones. Based on the desire lines observed, we suggest that the space can be reorganised through a series of colourful lines and arrows on the ground. The addition of a very low rubber border could help to define these lines for commuters.
By removing the stones and drawing lines on the floor, we think that the number of desire lines can be reduced. Moreover, this layout can be considered as street art and can transform this place into one that is considerably more appealing.
Turning the space covered with gravel into a more pedestrian-friendly area
In order to channel the pedestrian flows on the edge of the space by limiting the number of pedestrians walking on the space shared with the bikes, we suggest that the gravelled area is transformed into a pedestrian-friendly space. This can be achieved by putting crossable paths that go in different directions, as well as benches.
Read the part one: Islands Brygge - Application of the "Desire lines" tool - Part one: the study
Read the part one: Islands Brygge - Application of the "Desire lines" tool - Part one: the study