As the world’s most successful cycling nation, the Dutch have invested in bicycle infrastructure and policy for decades. No need to reinvent the wheel! Each year, these employees will have to add 7% of the recommended retail price of their bicycle to their taxable income. It also wants to be the most environmently friendly city in the Netherlands by 2025. Public Transport-Bicycle (OV-fiets) This is a Dutch bike sharing initiative, which provides bicycles at train stations and some other spots, for … The Dutch recognize that it is impossible to prevent people from using drugs altogether. No, you are not allowed to cycle on the pavement or through pedestrian areas - although many Dutch cyclists ignore this rule. Utrecht is promoting cycling as part of a “healthy urban living” policy. For many London cycling activists and politicians with transport responsibilities the Netherlands is the touchstone nation for urban cycling policy, as demonstrated by the London Cycling … Photo © Holland-Cycling.com. No, it is compulsory to hold your handlebars with at least one hand when you're cycling. Cycle superhighways are an essential part of this, not only within cities but also between them. Never walk on the cycling lanes. Cycling in Holland is a treat since they have these ” Knooppunten” which are number signs on the side of the road you follow to get from one city to another or ride a set course. ! Requirements for bicycle lights and reflectors. Cycling Clothing Pro Teams New In Pro Teams Classification Jerseys National Champions National Teams Argentina Australia Belgium Germany France Italy Luxembourg Netherlands Sweden Swiss Slovakia Slovenia Spain USA Pro Team Clothing Kids Accessories Pro-Team rarities Set Offers Sale Triathlon Accessories Parts, Tools Brands My Cycling World Sale Research has shown that you’re more likely to have an accident. The city of 's-Hertogenbosch articulated a new "cycle ambition" in 2009. Employers, too, benefit from employees cycling to work. Sustainable Safety We'd love to hear what you have to say. In recent years, central government has encouraged municipal and provincial authorities to establish good regional cycling routes. Dutch schoolchildren often ignore this rule and cycle three or even four abreast, taking up the whole road. Some 35,000 km of cycle-track has been physically segregated from motor traffic, equal to a quarter of the country's entire 140,000 km road network. The Dutch Long-term Bicycle Plan , to be enacted between 2012 and 2016, aims to build thousands of new bike racks at stations throughout the city, carefully catered to the needs of the … The Netherlands currently rewards commuting cyclists with tax credits of $0.22 (€0.19) per kilometer. not fixed to the bike) are allowed if properly visible and attached to your upper body, not to your head or limbs, Red reflector (not triangular) - on the back of the bicycle. The Dutch are known for their love of bikes and don’t stop pedaling - for no one. Photos © Holland-Cycling.com. 27% of all journeys are made by bicycle. On roads where adjacent bike paths or cycle tracks exist, the use of these facilities is compulsory, and cycling on the main carriageway is not permitted. For more, go to Cycling with children. Please read carefully before using this site. See: New rules for speed pedelecs in 2017. Most people would find this an acceptable distance to cycle. Yes, like in other countries all cyclists have to stop for a red traffic light. Companies and employees would agree on the distance of a person's cycling route. Drug Policy. Please give your feedback or make a donation. Copyright © 2013-2021 Holland-Cycling.com | About Us | Contact | Privacy policy | Join us on Facebook and Twitter, Traffic exam improves road safety for children, Road Traffic Signs and Regulations in the Netherlands, Loose lights (i.e. The entire Netherlands are pervaded by country-wide cycling routes, the so-called LF-routes. Right: road sign for an optional cycle path. cycling practices instead of changing to driving practices, the ratio of driving to cycling will shift in favor of cycling. As soon as you’re out on your bicycle in the dark or when visibility is bad, bicycle lights and reflectors are compulsory. The Dutch Cycling Embassy is a vast network of public and private organisations from the Netherlands who wish to share their expertise on building what supports the Dutch cycling culture to those interested. This led to a national policy of funding cycling infrastructure, such as as cycle lanes and bike-racks, and led to the Netherlands being pre-eminent among nations for its cycle … Bicycle tour Nine Hansa towns the Netherlands | Tulip Cycling Many roads have one or two separate cyclewaysalongside them, or cycle lanes marked on the road. Groningen will continue to work on its bicycle policy, as it aims to have 60-65 per cent of all trips made by bicycle by 2020. But, there are plans to alleviate these issues. See how society in the Netherlands benefits from cycling in this video. To find out more about road traffic signs and regulations in Holland, you can download this government brochure from 2013: Road Traffic Signs and Regulations in the Netherlands (PDF). At traffic lights with the sign ‘Rechtsaf voor fietsers vrij’, cyclists turning right don’t have to wait for the light to turn green (see photo). We have a rack to park your bike in. www.presto-cycling.eu The 4 Policy Guides offer a clear and systematic framework to help decision makers develop a cycling policy strategy. Left turn - extend your left arm straight out to the left, horizontally. We do update this Policy from time to time so please do return and review this Policy regularly. If more people chose to cycle to and from work, the number of tailbacks during peak hours would be reduced. This is against the law and they risk a fine. Coffee shops are therefore allowed to sell small amounts of soft drugs. Do look out for pedestrians that might be crossing the road as they have right of way. The rules are very strict. It is forbidden to ride a bike when drunk, which can lead to high fines. Right turn - extend your right arm straight out to the right, horizontally. However, there is one exception. Thanks to pressure groups and enlightened local politicians, cities such as the Hague, Delft and Groningen began to encourage the growth of cycling. Children under the age of 8 have to have to be transported in a child bike seat that meets safety requirements. Overall, 8 billion kilometres that are currently covered by car need to be covered by bicycle and public transport instead (the Dutch currently cycle approximately 15 billion km annually). 'Fietspad' is the Dutch word for cycle path. After all, more than half of all trips by car are less than 7.5 kilometres. This has caught the eye of many US cities, and in response, the Dutch embassies and consulates in the US have set up a cycling initiative called ThinkBike workshops. e-learning virtual classes on cycling policy that will later be open to any interested participants. Dutch Bike Tours They also offer several cycling packages that follow the LF route network such as the themed route Langs de Hollandse Waterlinie (Along the Old Dutch Defence Line) or the Molens en Weiden (Mills and Meadows) tour. There are cycle paths that are compulsory and there are cycle paths that are optional. No, you’re not allowed to cycle under the influence of alcohol (= Blood Alcohol Content higher than 0,5 promille), medication or drugs. If your bike doesn’t meet the requirements, you risk a fine - or worse, a car driver might not see you in time. The popular e-bike also makes cycling longer distances an option. For the Dutch, cycling seems like a natural phenomenon. A policy based on the belief that mobility is a basic human right, and no one should have to risk their life to get to work, the shop, or a … The Long-Term Bicycle Plan (PDF, 13 MB) describes the ways in which cycling and bicycle parking will change in the coming years, based on the following goals: Yes, you are allowed to cycle two abreast. You are expected to move to the side to make room for other traffic when necessary. And in some cities, this figure is much higher. General cycling rules in Holland: Since July 2019, you are no longer allowed to hold a telephone or other electronic device in your hand while riding a bicycle. Cycling cuts down on motorised traffic and pollution, and leads to a fitter population. Road traffic signs and regulations in Holland. Yes, it is compulsory to indicate with hand signals which direction you want to turn. Indeed in 2017 Tour de Force released a Bicycle Agenda 2017-2020 that has 8 goals: 1) Netherlands as the leading bicycle country (Fietsland), 2) More room for the bicycle in cities, 3) Boosting the quality on busy and important regional cycling routes, 4) Optimize the transition between modes, PT-bike and car-bike, 5) Targeted cycling promotion, 6) Less cycling accidents, 7) Less stolen bicycles and 8) … by bike. Dylan van Baarle; Henk Baars; Arjen de Baat; W.G. In low-speed environments, bikes and cars share the road. Other traffic users have to be able to hear it at a distance of 25 metres. Cycle lanes are always compulsory. Bicycle use is widespread in the Netherlands. Very much recommended ! ... "Systematic Safety". Please note, that from 1 july 2019 holding or operating any mobile electronic device while cycling is illegal. The Netherlands will also lobby within the EU to achieve a 55 % reduction of CO2 levels by 2030, and support a net-carbon economy by 2050. We will use a semi-structured interview format that draws out the motivations and perspectives of the various stakeholders involved in decision-making both in … Employees who cycle are in better shape and are less prone to absence through illness. This applies to bicycles, e-bikes and speed pedelecs paid for by the employer. The result: this inspiring book of best practices, filled with insights and learnings to implement similar measures in your locality. For more, go to Mobile phone use on bike illegal. The first principle is that of Sustainable Safety. You are expected to move to the side to make room for other traffic when necessary. No, from 1 January 2017 speed pedelecs that can go up to 45 km/h are classed as a moped. The way the Dutch cycle has improved their quality of life. Yes, a bicycle bell is compulsory on every bike. Develop beter connections between public transportation and cycling 5. Cycling to work encouragement – Employers are to encourage employees to travel in environmentally friendly ways, i.e. In the 1970s, the Netherlands was becoming dominated by the car, with high levels of pollution and traffic-related deaths. If cycling side by side hinders traffic, you must cycle in single file. The Royal Dutch Cycling Union (KNWU) deliberately concealed a positive EPO test in 2011, an investigation by Dutch website Wielerflits has found. Maintain the Netherlands position as leading cycling country 2. No, a helmet is not compulsory for cyclists. For that reason, the government is encouraging employers to provide good facilities for cyclists: A mileage allowance for cyclists: employers may pay cyclists a (tax-free) mileage allowance of up to EUR 0.19 a kilometre, the same rate available to staff who travel to work by car. That’s why a strong policy on cycling is integral to Dutch sustainability policy. Dutch schoolchildren often ignore this rule and cycle three or even four abreast, taking up the whole road. The second principle is to make walking, cycling or public transit the fastest, easiest and most convenient way of going from A to B. Moreover, companies may be able to save on parking costs when more employees commute to work. One policy guide presents a general framework, outlining the fundamentals of an integrated cycling policy. You’re not likely to be fined if your bicycle bell does not meet the requirements, but a good bell does make it easier to pass other traffic on narrow and busy roads. No, you don’t always have to cycle on the cycle path. Improve the quality of regional cycling routes 4. Please leave a message in our guest book. Left: road sign for a compulsory cycle path. Give more room to cyclists in cities 3. A mileage allowance for cyclists: employers may pay cyclists a (tax-free) mileage allowance of up to EUR 0.19 a kilometre, the same rate available to staff who travel to work by car. Cycling and sailing is a typical Dutch experience! Yes, you’re allowed to listen to music while you’re cycling. On other roads and streets, bicycle and motor vehicles share the same road-space, but these are usually ro… Drawing on two national Dutch cycling policy programs that illus- Groningen is a partner in the European CHAMP project, bringing together champion cycling cities to further upgrade their policies. shaped Dutch cycling policy, both in the 1970’s and over the last decade using transitions theory as a guiding framework. The nine Dutch Hanseatic cities are a stone's throw from the German-Dutch border, in a particularly attractive area for cyclists. Give us a hand - help us maintain this site. For more on this topic, go to our Blog article Bicycle helmet - compulsory or not? Simpler tax rules on using a company bicycle for private purposes: Since 1 January 2020 the tax rules for people who use a company bicycle for private purposes is simplified. For that reason, the government is encouraging employers to provide good facilities for cyclists: Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. Let us look at each of these two principles in turn. Remember to look over your shoulder to check if any other traffic is coming from behind. The Dutch Cycling Embassy published the Dutch Cycling Vision3 to assist cities and regions around the world making cycling an option for everyone. Moreover, this commuter behavior is largely unregulated by Dutch law, as cyclists can legally wear earphones and use mobile devices while cycling. Be warned: especially in city centres you risk a fine. The purpose is to develop cycling policy that result in a 20% increase in kilometers cycled by 2027 Nine broad goals: 1. This is against the law and they risk a fine. Make sure you know the Dutch traffic rules and regulations for cyclists. Want to learn more about the Dutch cycling culture to help your city become more cycling-friendly? Two cyclists are allowed to ride side by side, no more. The Dutch system is composed of two basic principles. Information we collect In operating our website we may collect and process the following data about you: - Details of your visits to our website and the resources that you access, including, but not limited to, traffic data, location data, weblogs and other communication data. Perfect for a cycling holiday in Holland. They are signed with different road signs. This means that for speed pedelecs the rules and regulations for mopeds apply. Options for promoting bicycle use generally focus on distances up to 15 kilometres. But we can still do more to encourage people to travel by bicycle. So never to get lost and see all the pretty spots of every village or city! The Mobility Plan for Amsterdam in 2030 (PDF, 13 MB) (in Dutch) outlines the policies used to determine which mode of transport will have extra space in each area of the city. Like all traffic, cyclists have to keep to the right side of the road. Yes, you are allowed to cycle two abreast. Currently, some 25 cycle superhighways are in use or under construction. ACCESS DURING COVID 19 PANDEMIC - May 19th, Reopen Plan May 19, 2020 FOR CURBSIDE PICK UP AND REPAIR DROP OFF. A major component in the Netherlands’ effort to encourage bicycling is its emphasis on building bicycle infrastructure, which the Dutch treat as an equal mode of transportation. But until the 1970s, their cities were adapting to the influx of cars. From 1 July 2019 holding or operating any mobile electronic device while cycling is illegal. Yes, you’re allowed to take passengers on the front or back of your bicycle. 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