SAFETY EFFECTS OF BICYCLE FACILITIES: THE DUTCH EXPERIENCE

The paper gives the general characteristics of bicycle and moped use, including safety aspects of cycling and moped riding in the Netherlands. It explains the Dutch government policy regarding the safety of cyclists and moped riders. The policy includes experiments with bicycle facilities. The results of some experiments are given. Finally, the paper shows the results of evaluations concerning the safety of cycle lanes and cycle tracks inside built-up areas: the marking of lanes to improve traffic safety should be queried. Cycle tracks are safe for cyclists but not for moped riders. Cycle tracks have to end before a junction. Outside built-up areas the construction of cycle tracks improves safety; more research has to be done on effects of various facilities for junctions.