12/09/2025 –, De Brug Area 2
Work zones in Swedish cities makes cycling less attractive. Routes get longer, temporary traffic control devices are not adapted to cyclists’ needs and accidents are associated with work zones.
The aim of the project was to provide a basis for requirements on the design and use of temporary traffic control devices adapted for cyclists as well as regulations, guidelines and education regarding planning for cyclists in work zones. In addition to accident analyses and literature reviews, three empirical studies were carried out: (1) About 50 simulated single bicycle crashes in the VTI crash test laboratory with different road equipment at different crash angles; (2) Studies with recruited cyclists on the VTI cycle test track where different widths of passages and speed-reducing measures were evaluated, and (3) in a real traffic environment, where visibility and clarity were studied by varying the size and location of road signs.
We also moved beyond problem solving within the system as it exists. We questioned why we use road signs for cyclists in work zones when the education required to understand them is for drivers. We also questioned whether it was possible to expand the system boundaries of “the cycling infrastructure”, instead of optimizing the space within the existing system by placement and size of road signs and temporary road equipment or redirect cyclists on long detours.
The results provided a basis for the world’s first national standard for temporary traffic control devices adapted for cyclists, as well as evidence of how to place road signs, if needed, but also that the route itself should be self-explaining to make it accessible for children and people without knowledge of road signs. We also provided examples of how to rethink the system by changing system boundaries for a more just distribution of space in the urban environment.
Jones Karlström is the deputy director of the Swedish Cycling Research Centre (Cykelcentrum) based at The Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI). He has had this position for 8 years. In cooperation with other researchers, NGOs and governmental bodies, Cykelcentrum works on establishing long-term interdisciplinary research and cooperation and connecting research to the problems that stakeholders (e.g. municipalities) struggle with to make cycling safer and more attractive. Before his position at the VTI, Jones worked at the municipal of Stockholm as project manager on winter maintenance for cycling, developing new methods as well as the everyday work to make cycling possible during the winter. He also worked as a project manager for development projects on cyclists at road constructions sites, with the ambition to improve safety and accessibility for cyclists. Jones has a master’s degree in environment and health as well as a bachelor’s degree in geography and political science. He also has a degree as a Master of Education for the Upper Secondary School.