Berenkuil (traffic)

The Berenkuil in Utrecht

A berenkuil (a Dutch word meaning a bear pit[1]) is a type of traffic circle found in the Netherlands. In this construction, automotive traffic is directed around a raised outer circle. This leaves a sunken open space in the center of the circle which is used for bicycle paths.

Perhaps the first berenkuil, and the one that gives its name to this type of circle, is the one in Utrecht, built in 1944. There are several theories for the origin of its name, including the possibility that an actual bear pit was located there, or that it was named in honor of the British 49th (West Riding) Infantry Division, nicknamed the polar bears, who liberated Utrecht from the Nazis.[2]

Other examples

Airborneplein, berenkuil in Arnhem
Lammenschansplein, a berenkuil in Leiden

References

  1. In the old spelling (until 2005) this was spelled berekuil, without the n.
  2. Bril, Martin (26 April 2007), "Berekuil", Volkskrant (in Dutch).
  3. "Internationaal graffiti festival in Berenkuil", Groot Eindhoven (in Dutch), 8 September 2010, retrieved 5 October 2010
  4. "Eindhovense Berenkuil krijgt internationaal bezoek", Omroep Brabant (in Dutch), 11 September 2010.
  5. Render, Nick (11 February 2011), "Hovenring tussen Eindhoven en Veldhoven officieel geopend", Omroep Brabant (in Dutch), retrieved 18 July 2012.
  6. Berenkuil krijgt brug over spoor, Brussel Nieuws.be, 20 March 2013
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