zigzag markings at trail crossings

[ny biker]

In Loudoun County, Virginia, they're trying out new zigzag road markings at intersections with the WOD hiker-biker trail to try to slow drivers down as they approach the intersection.

http://loudounextra.washingtonpost.com/news/2009/may/03/are-zigzag-markings-jolt-roadway-hypnosis/

I happened to ride that section of trail on the day they painted the markings, and did see drivers slowing down more than usual. However I wonder if the effect will be short-lived, and people will ignore them once they're used to them.

Does anyone else have these kinds of markings near where they live, and if so how well do they work?

[Zen]

"VDOT officials aren't sure what to expect from the zigzag lines but will try to gauge how they are working this week by placing "fake" pedestrians in the crosswalk to see what happens."

i want to know how this pans out

[ny biker]

Could be fun to watch...

[Cataboo]

Would fake pedestrians be cardboard cut outs of movie stars they get at the video store?

Or will they use crash test dummies?

Or mannekins from stores?

Or hire actors to portray pedestrians crossing the street?

[crazycanuck]

I saw some of these zig zag type markers the other day at Curtin uni then on Murray Street in Perth.

If you want to get some detailed information on why the different city councils chose them, try www.cityofperth.wa.gov.au or www.curtin.edu.au.

I can always ask my planning professor for more information if you'd like. (brownie points :D) Hmmm..perhaps next semester it might come up in the Transportation & Society class? Good question for the planning student :o

[OakLeaf]

Interesting.

These fake speed bumps (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,373123,00.html) were just featured in a magazine we get.

They've been there over a year now - wonder how they're working.

[bmccasland]

Interesting.

These fake speed bumps (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,373123,00.html) were just featured in a magazine we get.

They've been there over a year now - wonder how they're working.

If they're working out, I volunteer my street for the next test. It's one block long, with T-intersections at either end, and people still race from one end to the next. Speed limit in the neighborhood is 25 mph folks! There are small children and furry beasts about! :mad:

[ny biker]

The zigzags at the WOD crossings seem to be working. For the first time in over 10 years, I'm seeing cars stop on Sterling Blvd to allow cyclists to cross. And they're stopping more on Belmont Ridge, too.

Of course there's still a newness factor with them, so the real test will come months from now when people are used to seeing them.