More Safety for Micro-Mobility

27 September 2022 – More and more people use a bicycle for everyday travel. Well-developed bicycle lane networks as well as rental offers facilitate easy access to and use of this climate-friendly means of transport. With cyclists regarded as vulnerable road users, safety plays a crucial role in this context. It is SWARCO Road Marking Systems’ guiding principle to significantly enhance traffic safety for all road users.

Micro-Mobility Is Booming

Cycling is more popular than ever. In urban areas, in particular, micro-mobility is gaining in importance. Bicycles are increasingly becoming a means of transport for everyday travel. Whether for shopping, leisure or the journey to work – bicycles have long been more than just sports equipment. In many respects, micro-mobility brings added value to society. It closes the gap to public transport, helps prevent traffic jams and minimizes the problem of parking. And regular cycling also improves our health. “This is precisely where SWARCO Road Marking Systems’ guiding principle comes into play. With our marking systems, we improve quality of life by making the travel experience safer, quicker, more convenient and environmentally sound,” says Jonas Orschel, in charge of Product & Sales at SWARCO Road Marking Systems. Pop-up bicycle lanes set up in various European metropolitan areas in recent years illustrate the extent to which the population makes use of safe infrastructure once it’s in place. The proportion of cyclists increased between 11 and 48 percent. However, the growing number of cyclists also comes with a higher risk of road traffic accidents, as shown by a study conducted by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC). While the number of car occupants who died in accidents went down, fatalities among cyclists remained the same. Furthermore, 28 percent of fatal bicycle accidents occurred at road junctions, which underlines the enormous importance of safety and visibility for cyclists in road traffic.

Safety in Times of Mobility Transition

The safer the infrastructure, the more often people travel by bicycle. SWARCO Road Marking Systems’ comprehensive portfolio offers a variety of solutions for area markings and visual designs. While bicycle lanes in green have a natural effect, red-coloured sections alert to potentially dangerous areas. Pictograms made of preformed thermoplastics are directly in the cyclist’s field of vision and are therefore easy to see. “Coloured markings are used to designate bicycle lanes and separate them from the other road traffic. This heightens road users’ attention and reduces the risk of accidents,” Orschel continues, adding “We have taken on the task of making traffic situations as safe as possible for all road users.”