Bob
27th May 2006, 00:41
Bristol is set to become the first city in Europe to introduce a new kind of manhole cover to help reduce the risk of skidding for motorcyclists. They will be placed on manholes around the new road system as part of the development of the Broadmead area.
Bristol City Councillor Dennis Brown said: "This new type of cover should make the road much safer for two-wheeled traffic. The engineers working on the new development have endeavoured to design the road to avoid positioning covers on bends where heavy braking is likely. However, with a multitude of utilities on the highway, this is not always possible."
A new safety standard (EN124) is due to come into force in three years time, requiring manufacturers to test the skid resistance value of manhole covers. Bristol is ahead of other cities in pioneering this new type of manhole cover.
Bristol has always been a forward-thinking and innovative local authority when it comes to biking. They were among the first to allow bikes access to ALL bus lanes, have worked hard to increase safe bike parking facilities and so on. Once again they are ahead of the game. Well done Bristol Council.
Bristol City Councillor Dennis Brown said: "This new type of cover should make the road much safer for two-wheeled traffic. The engineers working on the new development have endeavoured to design the road to avoid positioning covers on bends where heavy braking is likely. However, with a multitude of utilities on the highway, this is not always possible."
A new safety standard (EN124) is due to come into force in three years time, requiring manufacturers to test the skid resistance value of manhole covers. Bristol is ahead of other cities in pioneering this new type of manhole cover.
Bristol has always been a forward-thinking and innovative local authority when it comes to biking. They were among the first to allow bikes access to ALL bus lanes, have worked hard to increase safe bike parking facilities and so on. Once again they are ahead of the game. Well done Bristol Council.