It was a life-size test. Started in March 2021 on the sidelines of the development of the “coronapists”, the new development of the Gayeulles roundabout, in Rennes, will be made permanent. Inspired by the Dutch model, this roundabout “revolutionizes” the movement of cyclists on large roundabouts, allowing bicycles to circulate safely, even when crossing entry and exit lanes. Widespread in the Netherlands, it was among the first to be laid out in this way in France. From May 22 and until September, the city will carry out new works in order to perpetuate this development hailed by the associations of cyclists.
The latest developments provide for the development of a two-way track “away from the traffic lane and separated from the sidewalks”, but also raised pedestrian platforms to secure crossings and above all to improve “covisibility” and limit angles vehicle deaths. Car traffic will be reduced to a single lane in the roundabout, which has the effect of significantly lowering the speed. Up to 25,000 cars per day but also a good number of middle and high school students use the imposing roundabout in the northeast of Rennes, which will be revegetated.
The roundabout was one of the “black spots” identified as potentially dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians. Other roundabouts in the Breton capital should be fitted out in the same way, had promised mobility assistant Valérie Faucheux. The local authority hopes to triple the modal share of cycling in Rennes Métropole to bring it to 9%. A 100 km cycling express network is being built to encourage residents to get on their bikes for their daily trips.