Many of the Dutch cycle paths are well lit. This is evident from figures from the Fietsersbond. This weekend the winter time starts, making it dark again earlier. In addition to good bicycle lighting, bicycle path lighting is also very important.

The figures published in the Road safety comparator of the Fietsersbond, SWOV and Veilig Verkeer Nederland, it appears that bicycle paths are usually well lit, especially in urban areas. In rural areas, bicycle paths are the least well lit. Veenendaal, winner of the Bicycle City 2020 title at the beginning of this year, scores the best. There, 91,5% is well lit. The municipalities of Simpelveld (89,4%) and Gorinchem (86,7%) also have many well-lit cycle paths. The big cities are also doing well. The Hague scores highest there (82,5%), followed by Amsterdam (80,9%), Utrecht (80,5%) and Rotterdam (70,6%). The Fietsersbond reports this in a message on them website.

Safe cycling routes

According to Jaap Kamminga, head of Policy of the Fietsersbond, it is important that bicycle paths are well lit. “Good lighting is indispensable not only for road safety, but also for the social safety of cycle paths. Bicycle lighting is the beginning of this, but lighting bicycle paths is just as effective. Driving on a dark cycle path does not feel pleasant, even though you have good lighting yourself ”.

Kamminga thinks it is logical that not all cycle paths are illuminated with the same intensity. “Especially in rural areas, there are good reasons to reduce lighting. If you don't cycle much, lanterns can easily become light pollution. Municipalities could consider smart street lighting for important cycle routes that switches on when you arrive and switch off when you cycle away again. This way the lighting waves with you ”.

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