Cycling with the family in the Netherlands. First time cycling there in 30 years and it’s changed so much. I expected good cycle facilities but I’m just blown away. The ubiquity, quality, continuity, convenience... the UK has so far to go it makes me want to cry.
My two overriding thoughts from cycling with kids in Netherlands:
1. Cycle paths designed as “how do we get bikes flowing through here” not “how do we get bikes out of the way of the flow here”. It’s just so *convenient* and that makes it quick even when cycling slowly.
1. Cycle paths designed as “how do we get bikes flowing through here” not “how do we get bikes out of the way of the flow here”. It’s just so *convenient* and that makes it quick even when cycling slowly.
2. How on earth did we ever think mixing heavy vehicles with people was OK? I can’t look at a “normal” UK street the same way again. Rather than thread one cycle route through an area, we can’t accept anything short of *every road* being safe for people.
Bonus third thought:
Why do drivers not want proper cycle provision? Bikes separated and out of your way makes driving so much better too. Why would you want the bikes forced into your lane?
Why do drivers not want proper cycle provision? Bikes separated and out of your way makes driving so much better too. Why would you want the bikes forced into your lane?
Key is of course infrastructure not “culture”, “education”, or “sharing the road”.
Yes far more people drive like they’re also cyclists. But in the few short bits of road we had to use, we had plenty of drivers who thought it was fine to close-pass a young child at high speed.
Yes far more people drive like they’re also cyclists. But in the few short bits of road we had to use, we had plenty of drivers who thought it was fine to close-pass a young child at high speed.
Wide lanes both sides of road, completely separated from traffic
Continuous level priority across side streets
So smooth!
Safe, low kerbs
Bike phase at all traffic lights
Turning right? Here’s your own slipway
Dutch roundabouts are magic!
Continuous level priority across side streets
So smooth!
Safe, low kerbs
Bike phase at all traffic lights
Turning right? Here’s your own slipway
Dutch roundabouts are magic!
Pinch point in an old village? It’s the traffic lane that narrows (sometimes to just a foot wide!) not the bike lanes.
Massive multi-storey bike parks by stations
Crossing this motorway? Let’s make the subway ramp gentle and curved
Bus stop? Let’s bypass it
Massive multi-storey bike parks by stations
Crossing this motorway? Let’s make the subway ramp gentle and curved
Bus stop? Let’s bypass it
Residential street? Blocked to through traffic except bikes
One-way road? Big bike lane in the other direction
Parked cars? You’ll want some clearance for those doors
Above all, the assumption that every road should be made safe and convenient for *all* users
One-way road? Big bike lane in the other direction
Parked cars? You’ll want some clearance for those doors
Above all, the assumption that every road should be made safe and convenient for *all* users
This is the sole road serving a village of 1,800 people. Two roads, one for cars, one for bikes. In the Netherlands this is normal, expected, unremarkable. Why would you put them on the same road? 
