Þrívíddargangbraut

3D zebra crossing

There are zebra crossings - and then there are 3D zebra crossings. These seemingly three-dimensional zebra crossings are an optical illusion - they are simply painted flat on the road, but the 3D appearance gives drivers the impression that they are heading towards an obstacle - and so they slow down and drive slower. At least that's the theory.

We saw the first of these seemingly "floating" zebra crossings a few years ago in Ísafjörður in the Westfjords - from the right angle I found the illusion really perfect.

Recently there has also been a 3D zebra crossing in the new city center ( miðbær ) of Selfoss.

Unfortunately, I don't think the new zebra crossing here is quite as successful as in the Ísafjörður - somehow it just doesn't seem quite the same to me, as there is already a paved crossing and the area already looks different from the rest of the street. I also find the painted "shadow" of the floating beams here - I don't know, too far forward maybe..? Especially since the road doesn't lead straight to the zebra crossing, but has a small bend.

We tried around a bit until we found the best possible viewing angle for the 3D zebra crossing in the new city center.

And - can't you really see how laboriously I'm climbing around between the high beams...?!?

[Translated from here]