Zero Accidents Since Its Installation In France

An innovation that changes everything: understanding the concept of the Dutch roundabout

In a post-pandemic context where cycling has seen a significant upsurge, 240 cyclists died on the roads between September 2023 and September 2024, representing around 7% of those killed. This is an increase of almost 30% compared to 2019, which encourages the authorities to adopt new road safety measures for soft mobility.

Certain developments have already proven their worth, such as bicycle locks at red lights, allowing cyclists to start before cars and turn safely, the expansion of cycle lanes or even blind spot signs on heavy goods vehicles and buses. The “Dutch-style” roundabout complements these solutions in a more drastic way, while modifying the urban landscape of some of our cities.

How does this new roundabout work?

The principle of this new roundabout is based on a change in traditional priorities. Unlike traditional roundabouts where cyclists navigate like cars and are exposed to the traffic of all vehicles, the Dutch system includes a priority cycle lane which completely surrounds the roundabout. This configuration also guarantees additional priority for cyclists when entering and exiting the roundabout. Thus, in a Dutch roundabout, the traffic flows of motor vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians are entirely separated. Here’s how it works in practice:

A separate circular cycle path is located outside the car lane. Cyclist traffic on this path is generally two-way, separated physically or visually (often with a colored strip). Before entering the roundabout, motor vehicles must yield to cyclists and pedestrians. Once engaged, motorists have priority among themselves, but upon exiting, they must again give priority to cyclists and pedestrians.

Pedestrian crossings are sometimes placed before the cycle path in relation to cars, forcing vehicles to stop twice: first for pedestrians, then for cyclists. This double transfer of priority (at entry and exit) aims to strengthen the safety of the most vulnerable users, whether pedestrians or cyclists.

This system thus reduces the risk of accidents between cars and cyclists, by improving visibility and avoiding the cohabitation of users on the same lane. In summary, the Dutch roundabout organizes traffic into distinct zones with priority given to cyclists and pedestrians, while maintaining the fluidity of motorized vehicles inside the roundabout.

Encouraging results

The “Dutch-style” roundabout has already proven itself in many French cities. Like any innovation, it initially raised concerns among users, particularly motorists. Some have complained about car lanes considered too narrow. Firstly, all users must therefore agree to change their habits and slow down to avoid any confusion. However, after testing periods during which the police favored education over repression, the first results reveal a significant improvement in security. Cyclists are the first beneficiaries of this development, with a notable reduction in accidents and conflicts between users.

In Rennes, the Gayeulles roundabout demonstrates the effectiveness of the system. With thousands of vehicles coming every day from five different routes, the roundabout constitutes one of the busiest northern gateways to the Breton metropolis. It is also an area where schools, green spaces and shops coexist, which considerably increases the risk for pedestrians and cyclists. After two years of successful experimentation, the city invested 600,000 euros and four months of work to install a Dutch roundabout. Result: more peaceful cohabitation between all users, and enhanced security.

Another example in Bures-sur-Yvette, in Essonne: the town inaugurated its first Dutch roundabout on January 25, 2025. The new roundabout is part of the municipal bicycle plan launched in 2019, the objective of which is to promote soft mobility and improve the safety of vulnerable users. Carried out at a cost of 280,000 euros thanks to the financial support of the Île-de-France Region and the State, the project was carried out in close collaboration with the association “Mieux moving by bicycle” and is now presented as a reference model in terms of cycling infrastructure

Very often, the installation of these Dutch-style roundabouts is part of an overall urban plan which includes a revitalization of the public space around the roundabout. This is the case in Clermont Ferrand, where many parking spaces have been removed in favor of dozens of new trees planted.

The explosion of soft mobility in France

The Covid-19 health crisis has profoundly transformed the travel habits of the French. According to the Alphabet France X Ifop 2024 barometer, 27% of people surveyed use a classic soft transport mode (walking, cycling, scooter) or electric to get to their workplace. It is in this context of changing habits that local authorities have begun to rethink their urban infrastructure. The “Dutch-style” roundabout fits perfectly into this dynamic by offering cyclists a dedicated and secure space. It is therefore a safe bet that other municipalities will soon adopt this solution.