“Continuous Cycle” Routes in the Netherlands

The number of “doorfiets” (“continuous cycle”) routes in the Netherlands have expanded significantly by 185 kilometres over the past year.

The total number of kilometres of continuous cycle routes now stands at 981 kilometres, according to an annual inventory by Tour de Force. Over the next five years, more than 1,000 additional kilometres of routes will be added. Local authorities, provinces, transport regions, and the state have earmarked over 650 million euros for these and are working together to build them.

What Are Continuous Cycle Routes?

Continuous cycle routes are safe, comfortable, wide cycle routes that connect urban regions. Cyclists encounter as few obstacles as possible and often have priority. This provides commuters with an important incentive to choose cycling over driving.

Fewer Traffic Jams, Healthier Lives

Investing in continuous cycle routes leads to more cyclists, according to research by Radboud University. This helps reduce congestion and contributes to healthier living because people exercise more and air quality improves. In addition, a study in the Dutch province of Brabant on the effects of constructing three continuous cycle routes showed a striking increase: 19% of cyclists on these routes previously used cars or public transport. Additionally, 35% of cyclists on these routes reported cycling more overall.

Looking to the Future

Over the next five years, plans are in place to build over 1,000 more kilometres of continuous cycle routes, doubling the total length. Provinces, municipalities, transport regions, and the state are jointly allocating over 650 million euros for this. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW) has provided a subsidy of 18 million euros to 12 projects.

State Secretary Jansen (IenW) said:
“I am pleased to see that more and more cycle-through routes are emerging. IenW is therefore contributing structurally to these routes. Together with provinces and municipalities, we are continuing to build a national network of continuous cycle routes.”

In the long term (2030 to 2040), ambitions are also high: plans include 2,550 additional kilometres of continuous cycle routes, requiring an investment of at least €1 billion.

Monitoring and Cooperation

The annual map (see below) shows the current state of affairs and joint ambitions. Tour de Force provides a platform for provinces, transport regions, and municipalities to monitor progress, exchange knowledge, and share experiences.

Tour de Force is a powerful collaboration between governments, market players, civil society organisations, knowledge institutes, and platforms committed to a stronger cycling policy in the Netherlands.

The original article by Tour De Force can be found here.