Detailed description (English): The Nudge30 system, a friendly alternative to speed bumps or Berlin cushions, consists of two short traffic islands that are typically placed 270 cm apart, preferentially mid-block. Though the gap appears narrow, it is perfectly fine for buses and large trucks. The setup subtly “nudges” drivers to slow down without some of the disadvantages of speed bumps or Berlin cushions, such as harsh braking or acceleration and discomfort, thereby reducing noise pollution, fuel consumption and vibrations for the residents. It is a low-cost solution to make streets less inviting for speed.
Koekelberg commune decided to install the first permanent Nudge30 system (a world premiere!) in the Vande Sandestraat, in front of the Comenius school. The decision was based on speed data results from 10 test sites in the Brussels Region and community feedback at the Vande Sandestraat.
The official inauguration takes place on Friday Sept 19 at 10:20. Students at te Comeniusschool will do a thumbs-up in front of the Nudge30 installation.
Detailed description (original language): Het Nudge30-systeem, een vriendelijk alternatief voor drempels of Berlijnse kussens, bestaat uit twee korte verkeerseilanden op 270 cm afstand. Het nodigt bestuurders uit om te vertragen zonder hard remmen of ongemak, en vermindert lawaai, verbruik en trillingen. Bussen en vrachtwagens kunnen er vlot door. Koekelberg installeert het eerste permanente Nudge30-systeem (een wereldprimeur!) voor de Comeniusschool, op basis van snelheidsdata en buurtfeedback. Officiële inhuldiging: vrijdag 19 september om 10u20, met een thumbs-up van de leerlingen.
Le système Nudge30, alternative douce aux dos d’âne ou coussins berlinois, se compose de deux petits îlots espacés de 270 cm. Il incite les conducteurs à ralentir sans freinages brusques ni inconfort, réduisant bruit, consommation et vibrations. Adapté aux bus et camions, il rend les rues moins propices à la vitesse. La commune de Koekelberg inaugure le premier Nudge30 permanent (une première mondiale !) devant l’école Comenius, sur base de données de vitesse et retours citoyens. Inauguration officielle : vendredi 19 septembre à 10h20, avec un thumbs-up des élèves.
Target group(s): The system nudges drivers in a friendly but rather effective way to adhere better to the 30 km/h speed limit.
Direct beneficiaries are the other road users (especially walkers and cyclists) and the neighborhood residents (less noise, pollution and no added vibrations).
Objectives: Adherence to the 30 km/h limit is not just a road safety issue. Cognitively, we might tend to forgive speeds up to 40 km/h as still somewhat “in range” with the stated 30 km/h limit. Intuitively however, as pedestrians or cyclists, we feel that the risk at 40 km/h is not just 33% higher than at 40 km/h. That is fully in line with the WHO reporting that the risk for a pedestrian hit at that speed actually is 300% higher. Perceived risk is a strong determinant in mode selection. By bringing speeds closer to 30 km/h, we make streets and cities more attractive for active modes.
Partner: Nudge30 is an initiative of johanna.be vzw/asbl, in cooperation with the municipalities of Koekelberg and Schaarbeek (both in Brussels Region). Brussel Mobiliteit supported the project.
Belgium