An initiative to improve relations between recreational and speed cyclists
03-09-2012
Relaxed recreational cyclist and the fast-riding cyclists on cycling paths tend to get in each other's way. The Cycling Council in the province of Drenthe has recently run a campaign (via the website Vriendelijkverkeer.nl) to improve relations between recreational and racing cyclists during a recent recreational cycling event.
When the cycling season begins in March of each year, the Cycling Council starts receiving complaints about racing cyclists. Recreational cyclists feel unsafe and harassed in the vicinity of groups of racing cyclists. Parents with their children, in particular, feel threatened according to the Cycling Council. Accidents occur as well.
The advocate for the federation of sporting cyclists (NTFU – Nederlandse Toer Fiets Unie) has set up a code of conduct for its members. Statements such as “use your bell” or “pass pedestrians and other cyclists with reasonable speed” are included in the code. The NTFU and the Cycling Council have asked the Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment to investigate whether it would be advisable to have racing cyclists use the roadway. This has already been implemented in Belgium for groups of more than 15 cyclists.