Barriers in Germany

More crash-barriers in Germany; July 2014.

Crash-barrier on the corner of a road junction, as it should be, designed to protect pedestrians and cyclists.

A correct instalation on, the A28.

Sometimes (but not often) they get it right as in this case alongside a footway, which in turn is alongside the A20 between Ashford and Charing.     

The state of the footway leaves a lot to be desired.

Barriers that do the job

This set of barriers seems to do the job

At a cross-roads in Charing, On this side of the A20 (which passes through the village), and at the mouth of the road to Pluckley.  There are similar crash-barriers on each corner, which are actually placed to protect pedestrians ~ must have been a different engineer from their normal; fellow.    Why at one place and not at so many others?

Getting it right

Getting it right.

A different vantage point clearly illustrates that Highways can get it right, even if they didn't mean to at the time.  This section of barrier on the A2070, offers protection to pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.   Whilst most of the rest of the barriers don't protect the most vulnerable in our society. 
   

Safety Barrier in France.

Protecting cyclists with a barrier in not a new idea:-

This picture shows a continuous barrier which is designed to protect cyclists and pedestrians, and why not?

Photograph taken in Carnot-Plage, southern France. in 1998.

What or who should a barrier protect?

Some barriers a fussy as to they think they should protect.  The mode of thinking is aimed solely at protecting motorists, and to Hell with pedestrians (the most vulnerable in our society). 

One can see that the barrier below might prevent a vehicle from going down a bank, but its very presence increases danger for pedestrians, and it need not have done.

Pedestrians would a barrier such as this to be really intimidating.

The barrier on the right  here (handrailing) is designed to protect pedestrians at a roundabout. BUT, it is not necessarily popular with cyclists, on or off the road.  Handrailing prevents cyclists from accessing the kerb, and it can snag handlebars.

It is not clear, at this location, whether or not cyclists should stick to the road or carry on, on the pavement  using it as assumed "Shared use"; it is signed as a route into the town centre.  Ideally what is needed is a separate bridge over the River Stour for cyclists. 

They just don't think!

Barrier to make cyclists feel safe

This photo was taken in Germany where they go out of their way to make cyclists feel safe. Where, despite there being a lot more cyclists, there are a lot less casualties..

Note that the barriers are on both sides of this road.