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Life Without Traffic Signs

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the sign-language dept.

zuikaku writes, "Der Spiegel has an article titled European Cities Do Away with Traffic Signs reporting that seven cities and regions in Europe are doing away with traffic signs, signals, painted lines, and even sidewalks. With the motto 'Unsafe is Safe,' the idea is that, when faced with an uncertain, unregulated situation, drivers will be naturally cautious and courteous. Then again, they may end up with streets jammed with pedestrians, bicyclists, and cars like some places in India and China." I can't see this idea getting traction in the U.S.

2 of 604 comments (clear)

  1. No large cities by oliderid · · Score: 0, Redundant

    There is no large city in the project. Their populations vary between 30000-120000. I seriously doubt it could work in larger cities. Ostende the only city I know in the list has already a significant part pedestrians only in its centre .

  2. Re:Unsafe is safe, war is peace... by TubeSteak · · Score: 0, Redundant

    I think the biggest factor in the German plan involves paving everything over with cobblestones.

    Cobblestones don't exactly give the smoothest ride, which I suspect (when combined with the lack of signage) leads to lower speeds.

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