The cyclist does not want to be hindered by administrative boundaries and policy boxes.
Major gains can be made for recreational cycling and, more generally, cycling in rural areas, through more coordination and cooperation between the various policy sectors and areas. Umbrella organization Fietsplatform therefore asks, together with ANWB, Fietsersbond and cycling association NTFU, for an integrated policy between policy sectors and areas. The joint organizations argue for an integrated vision of cycling and cycling infrastructure. The appeal is part of a broader Top 10 with recommendations for recreational cycling, which the organizations presented this summer.
Integrated cycling vision
Opportunities lie mainly in linking policy and resources for route creation to mobility policy. “With an integrated vision on cycling and cycling infrastructure – or better: active mobility – it is possible to switch with environmental policy in a targeted manner. Ideally, this vision is also supported by sports policy and the aim to get people to exercise more”, says Eric Nijland, director of the Bicycle Platform.
An integrated vision also provides a basis for seeking and finding balance in other spatial tasks, such as construction policy and nature policy (National Program for Rural Areas) in particular. The Netherlands faces a major housing challenge of one million homes within 10 years, almost all within urban areas. This results in extra trips that put pressure on the accessibility of both the city and the rural area. It helps to be able to carefully tinker with a high-quality living environment that is designed to be exercise-friendly. Being able to cycle safely and attractively is an integral part of this!
Thinking holistically
Cycle routes, previously also known as fast bicycle routes, are regional bicycle routes on which you can cycle comfortably and without delay from place A to place B. Intended to stimulate commuter cycling in the Netherlands. However, this view is outdated; whereas the route for the bicycle commuter provides better accessibility to commuting locations, it is the way for recreational cyclists to cycle comfortably into the rural area.
A good example is the 17 kilometer long RijnWaalpad between Arnhem and Nijmegen. The route connects the two major cities and the centers in between. At the weekend it is now busier here than during the week, while this infrastructure has been built for commuting. The construction of these routes requires integrated thinking. While the development of the network was aimed at utilitarian use, namely the construction of infrastructure, the focus on recreational use requires an experience, in other words pleasant asphalt in an attractive environment with facilities to enjoy that environment.
Pleasant asphalt
Utility cyclists are willing to detour 10 to 15% along a more pleasant route to their destination; for recreational cyclists, a pleasant route is a precondition for getting on a bicycle in the first place. Last winter, various bicycle routes outside the built-up area in the municipality of Houten were provided with a green embedding. Schalkwijkseweg, Groeneweg and Oud Wulfseweg were given a green metamorphosis to make the cycle route even more attractive.
Rows of trees, hedgerows and hedges can provide shelter in strong winds, shade in sun and some shelter in rain. They also contribute to the cyclist's 'outdoor feeling'. A good example of integrated thinking. A vision that, according to the collaborating organizations, is necessary to keep recreational cycling pleasant and safe, and to further stimulate bicycle use.
Top 10 recreational cycling
Recreational bicycle use has been growing for years. Cyclists are hindered by the crowds and would like more safety and comfort on bicycle paths and roads. The government has an important role to play here. The next state elections will be held in March next year. This offers the opportunity to set new priorities. Umbrella organization Fietsplatform therefore drew up a Top 10 for recreational cycling together with ANWB, Fietsersbond and cycling association NTFU. This offers concrete handles with recommendations on the way to the elections. The joint request: include the points in the election programs and then in the upcoming council agreement, according to Cycling platform umbrella organization.
