The data source seems to be based on “a long-running and extensive survey tapping the opinions of over 14,000 business leaders in 144 countries. The road quality indicator score is based on only one question. The respondents are asked to rate the roads in their country of operation on a scale from 1 (underdeveloped) to 7 (extensive and efficient by international standards). The individual responses are aggregated to produce a country score.”
I would agree, mostly, if I take into account driving on highways and major roads. How’s that relevant for cycling, I don’t know.
Doctor_Fegg on
“Best roads” for me are those with fewest cars and I’m pretty sure that’s not what this is measuring. Otherwise France’s massive network of tiny rural lanes would be _well_ ahead of our roads here in the UK.
Rothgard on
Having lived in Belgium and now in Italy I would say Italian roads are even worse. Or maybe I just haven’t seen the worst Belgium has to offer yet
Rayola5 on
Well, all I can say is the cycling roads in Austria rock, especially along the Danube.
Masseyrati80 on
Just last year an expert stated that the Finnish road network hasn’t been in this bad of a condition since the depression in the early 90’s. Roads with potholes etc.
Thankfully, the bike path network is strong and I rarely bump into problems on the bike paths. The most realistic threat to a cyclist, in terms of road condition, are crumbling road shoulders on certain types of countryside roads that are otherwise perfect for bike touring.
5 Comments
The data source seems to be based on “a long-running and extensive survey tapping the opinions of over 14,000 business leaders in 144 countries. The road quality indicator score is based on only one question. The respondents are asked to rate the roads in their country of operation on a scale from 1 (underdeveloped) to 7 (extensive and efficient by international standards). The individual responses are aggregated to produce a country score.”
I would agree, mostly, if I take into account driving on highways and major roads. How’s that relevant for cycling, I don’t know.
“Best roads” for me are those with fewest cars and I’m pretty sure that’s not what this is measuring. Otherwise France’s massive network of tiny rural lanes would be _well_ ahead of our roads here in the UK.
Having lived in Belgium and now in Italy I would say Italian roads are even worse. Or maybe I just haven’t seen the worst Belgium has to offer yet
Well, all I can say is the cycling roads in Austria rock, especially along the Danube.
Just last year an expert stated that the Finnish road network hasn’t been in this bad of a condition since the depression in the early 90’s. Roads with potholes etc.
Thankfully, the bike path network is strong and I rarely bump into problems on the bike paths. The most realistic threat to a cyclist, in terms of road condition, are crumbling road shoulders on certain types of countryside roads that are otherwise perfect for bike touring.