The Zipper® system is ZICLA’s most modular traffic lane dividers to segregate traffic flows. Thanks to this feature it can be adapted to different types of cycle lanes found in our cities and also, by combining its modules A and B, other types of configurations can be generated. For example, it can be used to build roundabouts, expand pavements, and narrow down streets at intersections.
Zipper® system configurations for segregating cycle lanes.
In the context of cycle lanes, the modularity of the Zipper® system allows different configurations and road segregation levels to be generated, depending on road type and on traffic intensity.
There are two groups of configurations: AA configurations, those comprising only the Zipper® system A module, and BA configurations, those consisting of the Zipper® system A and B modules.
Zipper® system AA configurations.
2A configuration.
This configuration consists of two A modules of the Zipper® system. The distance between the AA assemblies can be reduced or eliminated to make the cycle lane more difficult to invade, increasing safety in areas close to an intersection or in high-traffic areas. This configuration will be used when aiming for discontinuous segregation.
Continuous configuration.
This configuration comprises a continuous barrier of Zipper® system A modules. As the name suggests, this configuration will be used when aiming for continuous segregation, to reduce the possibility of motorized vehicles encroaching on the cycle lane.
BA configurations.
B2AB configuration.
This configuration consists of two Zipper® system A modules in the center and one B module at each end. The distance between the B2AB assemblies can be reduced to make the cycle lane more difficult to invade, increasing safety in areas close to an intersection or in high-traffic areas. In the same way as the 2A configuration, this one will also be used when looking for discontinuous segregation.
B4AB configuration.
This configuration consists of four Zipper® system A modules at the center and one B module at each end. The distance between the B4AB assemblies can be reduced to make the cycle lane more difficult to invade, increasing safety in areas close to an intersection or in high-traffic areas. This configuration is similar to the previous one, but in this case, the assembly of Zipper ® modules is longer and takes up a larger space, making it even more difficult for motorized vehicles to encroach on the cycle lane, although in both cases the barrier penetrability will depend on the space left between the module assemblies.
Examples.
The aforementioned configurations of the Zipper® system modules adapt to the various types of cycle lanes found in cities. Let’s look at some examples of these configurations applied in various cities:
Protected one-way cycle lanes.
These are one-way cycle lanes protected by a physical barrier. For example, in the Daytona project in Miami Beach, Florida, they protected the cycle lane with Zipper® system A and B modules using a B2AB configuration.
Protected two-way cycle lanes.
These are two-way cycle lanes protected by a physical barrier. For example, in the La Rochelle project in France, the cycle lane was protected by using the Zipper® System A and B modules in a continuous configuration.
Know more about the project in La Rochelle, France.
Conversely, in the Ripollet (Barcelona) cycle lane they decided to generate a discontinuous barrier with the B4AB configuration.
Know more about the project in Ripollet, Barcelona.
Cycle lanes running against the flow of motorized vehicle traffic.
These lanes allow their users to ride in the opposite direction to road traffic. They turn a one-way street into a two-way street: one direction for motor vehicles and bicycles, and another one for bicycles only.
These types of cycle lanes must be segregated.
Central cycle lanes.
These are cycle lanes that run through the center of the road. They are generally protected from motorized traffic by cycle lane separators or other physical barriers. For example, in the Avenida Albert Bastardas project in Barcelona, they used Zipper® system modules with the AA configuration.
Know more about the project in Albert Bastardas, Barcelona.
Other possible Zipper® system functionalities and configurations.
The Zipper® system has other functionalities and can be adapted to other scenarios, for example conflict zones such as intersections, shared spaces, pedestrian areas, narrowing of roadways, etc.
Roundabouts.
In the case of the project implemented in Ripollet, Barcelona, 69 Zipper® system A modules were used to build a roundabout 7.5 meters in diameter.
Know more about the project in Ripollet, Barcelona.
Narrowing of roadway.
In the Baltimore project in Maryland, USA, they used Zipper ® system A modules to create a physical barrier at an intersection in a school zone where the road was narrowed down to provide more space for pedestrians and to increase safety at pedestrian crossings.
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