Bicycle plans

The larger towns in the Netherlands - those over 50,000 inhabitants, more or less - all have a ‘mature’ bicycle policy. Often the basis is provided by a dedicated bicycle plan, or an extensive chapter on bicycle traffic in local traffic plans, which also serve as a record. In devising good bicycle plans local officials and their advisors can draw on three manuals: the policy manual bicycle traffic by Fietsberaad (Fietsberaad publication 9. Policy recommendations on bicycle traffic; survey of knowledge of bicycle policies), the new edition of the design manual bicycle traffic by CROW (New Ontwerpwijzer voor fietsvriendelijke infrastructuur) and the by now somewhat obsolete CROW-guide to bicycle parking (Guide to bicycle parking). Moreover when preparing bicycle plans the use of models is of major importance - even though few towns prove to follow these through: No single method is followed to the end. The wide range of ideas expressed in bicycle plans and their actual implementation is provided by Fietsberaad publication 7. Continuous and integral: The cycling policies of Groningen and other European cycling cities. Recently a number of bicycle plans have appeared that emphasise other issues beside infrastructural investments. Tilburg pays a lot of attention to maintenance and marketing: Striking accents in new Tilburg bicycle plan (Opvallende accenten in nieuw Tilburgs fietsplan). Delft intends to better communicate its policy: Delft festively wraps its bicycle policies. An example of ‘simply good’ bicycle plan and policies: Bicycle policy in Utrecht, the Netherlands. About the ordinary and functional aspects or bicycle policies and bicycle use in the Netherlands, see: Learning from the Dutch laboratory.