Traffic Playground
Copenhagenize designs unique facilities for learning about bicycles
and cycling mobility in a fun way. Test all kinds of bikes in an inclusive
space designed for everyone: children, adults, and people with disabilities.
A traffic playground offering diverse experiences for children and adults.
Inspired by bicycle learning areas from around the world, our concept combines fun bike learning with road safety awareness.
Concept Goals:
Support the development of cycling mobility
Provide a space for bicycles, pedal cars, and pedestrians
Host national cycling education programs
Welcome all types of people, including those with reduced mobility and disabilities
Be open to schools, associations, and healthcare professionals
Offer free access to families on weekends
Test different types of bicycles
Our architects, urban planners, landscape designers, and graphic designers are here to design a traffic playground that reflects your roads’ characteristics and integrates into an urban and/or landscaped environment.
DEliverable
Why Is It Important?
As cycling becomes more popular and roads rapidly evolve to meet the needs of new users, it is essential to offer the public the opportunity to learn how to navigate, position themselves, and respect others in public spaces. Our learning track concept mirrors the diverse situations that cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians encounter daily in their neighborhoods. This concept can be adapted to each city’s specific cycling infrastructure strategy: one-way or two-way bike lanes, traffic-calming measures like bike streets, shared spaces, 30 km/h zones, school streets, etc.
Balance Bike Games
The learning and play area for young children aged 3 to 5 using balance bikes is designed for various exercises: following a marked path, navigating an increasingly narrow line, avoiding “prickly” and “slippery” zones. With child-friendly themes, attractive shapes, and colors, the games are numerous. A soft surface ensures safety for this age group, making learning safe.
Testing Track of All Types of Bicycles
A three-meter-wide track surrounds the learning areas, offering a practice and testing space where users can gain speed, try different types of bikes (e-bikes, cargo bikes, tricycles, etc.), or apply their new skills in a safe environment. The width allows for an assistant to be on either side of the bike for those needing help. The track edges are equipped with contrasting tactile markers for easy visibility by all users.
Learning Bike Handling
The bike handling area is designed for children aged 6 to 10 and is largely inspired by the French "Savoir Rouler à Vélo" program. It was developed with the assistance of Séverine Desbouys, a former cycling champion. It features three racing lanes for practicing straight-line riding, turning, U-turns, balance, and stopping. Wooden practice features and colorful ground markings make learning more fun and the space more attractive.
Learning Parking and Maintenance
A dedicated area for learning proper bike parking and basic maintenance, both of which are essential for cycling. The installation of an A-frame bike rack, similar to those in public spaces, helps users learn how to secure a bike when parking. Given that bike theft is a major deterrent to cycling, this setup educates the public on using good locks and securing bikes properly. Additionally, a pump and repair station allows for learning basic bike maintenance, mirroring the facilities available in public spaces, thus completing the practical knowledge needed for everyday bike use.
Learning Cycling Mobility
This area is a miniature replica of an urban environment, specifically designed to familiarize learners with safe cycling rules, for both children and adults. It accurately reflects current urban cycling infrastructure: one-way bike lanes, a 30 km/h zone with a contraflow bike lane, a shared space, a roundabout, a greenway, etc. Traffic signals and various road safety signs complement this learning area, ensuring that good cycling practices are learned. This area also accommodates bicycles, pedal cars, and pedestrians, enabling learning in a variety of traffic situations.
An Accessible Space for People with Disabilities
Our bike learning area is designed to accommodate those with reduced mobility. Key features include:
Sensory accessibility: pedestrian crossings and the bike track have tactile markers for visually impaired users.
Infrastructure adaptations: the turning radii are designed to accommodate special cycles with larger dimensions.
Facilitated assistance: the bike track is designed to allow assistance for those who need it, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
We'd love to work with you!
If you're interested in working with Copenhagenize, reach out to us today. Our team is ready to collaborate with you to understand your needs and objectives.