Cycling is a very common and popular method of transportation. Cycling is the use of Bicycles or - less commonly - Unicycles Tricycles Quadricycles and other similar wheeled Human powered vehicles Bicycles are mainly used for short-distance trips such as shopping, going to school and work. The bicycle, cycle, or bike is a pedal-driven, human-powered vehicle with two wheels attached to a frame, one behind Bicycles are also well-used for recreational purposes.
The Netherlands are well equipped with cycle-paths and other segregated cycle facilities. Segregated cycle facilities are Roads tracks paths or marked lanes designated for use by Cyclists from which motorised traffic is generally excluded The network stretches to all provinces, and the bordering nations - Belgium and Germany. A Dutch province represents the administrative layer in between the national government and the local municipalities having the responsibility for matters of subnational or regional The Kingdom of Belgium is a Country in northwest Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts its headquarters as well as those Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. The country values its cycleways as much as any other method of transportation - like a network of roads, these cycleways can take one from any city to a destination of choice - even long distances such as from Maastricht to Amsterdam. Maastricht ( Dutch; Limburgish and city dialect Mestreech; French: Maestricht or Maëstricht; Spanish: Amsterdam (pronounced) is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, located in the province of North Holland in the west As a result, the quality of these cycleways is very high, and cycling at considerable speed is possible. These cycleways come in many forms, with their own sets of rules and systems - including traffic signals (or traffic lights), tunnels and lanes.
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The Netherlands and Cycling
Tourists, when they visit the Netherlands, often rent a bicycle and cycle around the countryside or the city. However, bicycle helmets are hardly ever worn in the Netherlands - the same can be said for Denmark where bicycles are considered very important, and for Chinese cities with a considerable part of traffic being by bicycle. Cyclists of all ages often consider the bicycle helmet unnecessary, and there is no 'helmet law'. The same goes for the Netherlands government.
No single reason accounts for why cycling is so popular in the Netherlands; rather it is the combination of many 'bicycle friendly' factors that happen to exist and reinforce each other:
The Netherlands is a small and very flat country, which means that typical journeys tend to be well within the capabilities of the average cyclist. Cycling is very cheap and has low overheads.
The sheer number of cyclists creates a 'critical mass' and visibility which means that the needs of cyclists are taken into account in all stages of urban planning. Urban areas are frequently organised as woonerfs, which prioritise cyclists and pedestrians over motorised traffic. A Woonerf (plural woonerven) in the Netherlands and Flanders is a Street or group of streets in a town or City where Pedestrians
There is a continuous network of cycle paths, clearly signposted, well maintained and well lit, with road/cycle path junctions that often give priority to cyclists. This makes cycling itself convenient, pleasant, and safe. Most children between the age of 10 and 16 cycle to school, and they develop an early appreciation of the freedom that cycling gives.
Secondary school children quite commonly cycle over 15 km in each direction to school. This is perhaps why Dutch utility cyclists are fast, and has helped the Dutch have a presence in competitive cycle racing which is surprisingly large given the small population of the country.
Utility cycles which are low in maintenance and suited to load carrying are very popular. However, all other types of cycles are also accommodated on the cycle paths, from racing bikes with tri-bars through to streamlined velomobiles. The cycle path network supports use at such speeds.
There is a good network of bicycle shops throughout the country. Virtually every railway station has a cycle shop.
The majority of car drivers are also cyclists, and thus understand how vulnerable a cyclist can feel. "Strict Liability", supported in law in the Netherlands, leads to driver's insurance being deemed to be responsible in a collision between a car and a cyclist. This makes car drivers very wary of bicycles. Finally, towns have been designed with limited access by cars and limited (decreasing over time) car parking. The resulting heavy traffic and very limited car parking makes car use unattractive in towns.
These factors together far outweigh the negative factors of wet and windy weather, very strong headwinds due to the flat terrain, and frequent bicycle thefts.
Nearly a third of all journeys made in the Netherlands are made by bicycle. Even the over 65 age group make nearly a quarter of their journeys by bicycle. Within some cities, over half of all journeys are made by bicycle.
Roads and paths
Many roads have one or two separate cycleways along them, or cycle lanes marked on the road. Segregated cycle facilities are Roads tracks paths or marked lanes designated for use by Cyclists from which motorised traffic is generally excluded On other roads and streets bicycle and car traffic are mixed. On the highways themselves, cycling is not allowed; if a highway does not have a cycleway along it, cycling is not allowed. Similarly tunnels may or may not be accessible for cycling. If they are, there is usually a separate facility.
Pedestrians use the pavement where available, otherwise they use the same position on the road as the cyclists: on the cycleway or lane if available, otherwise on the road (but in the latter case pedestrians preferably walk on the left, while cyclists go on the right). A pedestrian is a person travelling on foot whether Walking or Running. A sidewalk (chiefly North American English) pavement ( British English and Philadelphia dialect) footpath ( Australian English Roads and tunnels accessible for cyclists are also accessible for pedestrians. Places accessible for pedestrians can often be used by cyclists if they step off their bikes and push them.
For example, for crossing the Western Scheldt the Western Scheldt Tunnel is not accessible for pedestrians, cyclists or moped riders. Western Scheldt (Dutch Westerschelde) in the province Zeeland in the southwestern Netherlands, is the Estuary of the Scheldt river Mopeds are a class of low-powered (typically under 50 cc displacement) motorized vehicle generally two or three wheeled They have to use the ferry at another location, or take the bus through the tunnel.
Roadside Paths
Sometimes the paths are situated alongside the road, and following the Dutch rules, on the right hand side. They are marked by a dashed line, and are often within large towns. They can be painted red or yellow, and on both lanes of the road; that these roadside paths are situated - one on the left and one on the right.
Separate Pathways
Similar to roadside paths, these paths are parallel a the road but are not actually a part it. They too follow the right hand side, and are situated on both sides of the road. In the less populated areas, fields for example, they are plain concrete cycleways, but these, like the other paths, are more complicated in towns.
Dual Pathways
One feature of the Netherlands are the Dual Cycleways. These are designed like roads, divided into two directional lanes by dashed lines. They are common throughout cities and important roads between cities.
Countryside
In the country, there are usually no cycle lanes. Sometimes the pathways are made up of gravel, but these are part of the Bicycle Routes. Maps are often distributed across the country with countryside routes that take you through tulip fields and by the seaside, with occasional rest stops in towns. Like other countryside routes across Europe, these are designed for countryside visits within the Netherlands.
The System
Traffic Signals
Because of their constant use, cycleways are complete with their own system. Traffic signals (traffic lights in the UK) are present at junctions, a set for vehicles and a smaller set for cyclists. Sometimes this is similar to a pelican crossing, where the cyclists wait to cross the junction. These lights come in two forms - firstly the miniature version of the vehicle lights and secondly a regular sized signal with bicycle shaped cutouts. Priority is also marked on the road, showing whether the cyclist or the vehicle has priority.
In many locations more direct cycle routes exist which bypass traffic signals, allowing cyclists to make more efficient journeys than motorists.
Roundabouts and Crossing Rivers/Motorways
Some roundabouts have cyclist lanes around them, with signposts directing the cyclist to a destination. They are also marked with priority, with roads connecting the cycleways to the roundabout. Others have separate cycle paths around them.
Tunnels are also common around motorways, or to avoid busy road junctions and traffic lights. For rivers, bridges are used.
Sign Posts and Road Signs
Signposts take on the form of road signs, with directions stating the distances to nearby cities and towns. Pedestrian crossings can also be found on cycle lanes, exactly the same as with roads. Signposts come in two different forms: the common directional signpost which is a miniature version of the vehicle signs and a mushroom shaped direction post. The second one can often be found in countrysides. Sometimes it can be hard to notice. The signpost of the first kind is divided into red and green with red meaning the usual route and green meaning an alternative, perhaps more scenic, route. Also cycleways sometimes have road signs, which are followed in the same way as with vehicles.
Parking
Bike stands are used to park the bicycle when visiting a town or a shop for example. The front wheel of the bicycle rests on the stand and, often advised, the cyclists locks the bicycle often with a built-in lock or attach a chain from the bike to the stand. These stands are common around The Netherlands, an alternative to chaining the bike to a post. There are many some bicycle parking lots (like car-parks in the UK, but - not for cars), some of which hold thousands of bicycles.
Every railway station has a large cycle park attached. Most railway stations also offer watched cycle parking where you pay a nominal sum for your bike to be taken care of. These also exist in other places in most cities. For example, there are 20 watched cycle parks in the city of Groningen (approximately 180000 population).
By policy in the Netherlands, cycle parking is provided next to every shop. Cyclist journeys are made convenient by such means.
Cycling from City to City
General
Bikes are readily available for hire across the country and most large towns come with their own bike shop with all the necessary equipment and repair services. All cities come with bike stands, mainly at the supermarkets and other commonly used shops. Bikes should also come with a lock so as to keep the bike from being stolen. An average comparison of distance against time would be about 20 kilometers in one hour for an average cyclist. All Dutch cities, as well as the neighbouring countries, can be accessed by bicycle
Maps are widely available and come in two forms:.
- Route Maps
- National Maps
Route Maps
A Route Map is a national map which shows route information rather than general topography. Only the routes are marked and related information are shown. The are often used for holidays and are sold at most tourist shops.
National Maps
National Maps cover the whole country, with markings and symbols about the cycleways of The Netherlands. They are very useful not only for cycling to unfamiliar towns and cities but also for cross-country use. These are sometimes expensive and hold many pages but are also widely available across tourist shops.
Transporting Bicycles
Though it is possible to transport cycles by train, aircraft and ferry, buses do not carry them
Trains
On trains - you may take your bicycle under certain conditions. Folding bicycles can be taken much more easily than other types of bicycle. Regular bicycles though have specific points at which you may place them and travel with your bicycle. Taking a folded bicycle inside a train is free, for unfolded bicycles and regular ones, a special ticket has to be bought, which lasts for one day. In many trains it is prohibited to carry normal size bikes during peak hours.
Ferries
On ferries, bicycles are charged a fee. Ferries operate across rivers as well as to the islands in the North (Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland and Schiermonnikoog).
Airports
It is possible to take bicycles by air, but once again you have to follow procedures and will have to pack the bicycle and possibly, dismantle it. There may also be extra fees as the bicycle will count as luggage. Again, travelling with a foldable bike is easier.
External links
- Cycling in the Netherlands
- Cycling Holland
- Making Cycling Irresistable a review of cycling policy in the Netherlands.
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