Cycling in the Netherlands outside Amsterdam

More people cycle than drive in the Netherlands. This hasn't happened by accident, and it isn't due solely to the country being relatively flat. Rather, the Dutch have for many years had a policy of increasing the importance of cycling as a proportion of journeys. The cycle friendly infrastructure which you find in this country has been redesigned time and time again until it has reached the current form. This is a very safe place to cycle, but also a very convenient place to cycle. Cyclists have priority over motorised vehicles, can often make much more direct journeys and quite frequently have smoother surfaces on which to travel. The country is covered by good design and it is as suitable for long journeys at high speeds as for short trips to the shops or to schools.
Judy and David Hembrow are experienced English cyclists who moved to the Netherlands in 2007. This is some of their report. And some of their clips on cycling in The Netherlands.

Bicycle Flat

People always ask us about pictures of the Bicycle Flat. The 100 metre long bicycle flat at the Central Station was built to temporarily store thousands of bikes during the period that old bicycle-stands had to be removed during the large renovation of the surroundings at Central Station. The building was built over water to maximise land-use (or in this case: water-use). It consists out of three slightly sloping parking decks. There is a small surveillance facility in the centre of this quayside structure. The bicycle flat was supposed to be closed and removed in 2004. In 2008 it still exists and looking at the figures it may just have to stay. In 2008 The Netherlands lack 65,000 bicycle parking spaces at railway stations. The number of commuters is increasing, bringing the shortage of parking spaces to 90,000 by 2010.

Less ................

Amsterdam, the world’s number one cycling city with some 60% of all trips in the city centre made by bicycle, wants to turn into the world’s centre of expertise on sustainable mobility.
A program to reach that goal was launched on Tuesday, April 1, 2008.

Life is a cycle

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cycle and recycle

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More Fun Mor Future

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Brains travel on bikes

April fool struck! The proposal to develop an application for Galileo was obviously a prank. It seems to have become a self-fulfilling prophecy though. Many people thought it was a great idea and want it to happen. We will follow up as soon as we can.
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Galileo in support of cyclists

Cyclists are increasingly hindered by cars, parking on cycle paths. This is often because cycling infrastructure is on the rise in the world and car drivers are not always respecting cyclists as equal partner in traffic with dedicated infrastructure; also SUV's don’t seem to fit in standard parking bays. The European program Spicycles (Sustainable Policies for Cities on Cycling) promoting cycling policy in Barcelona, Berlin, Bucharest, Göteborg, Ploiesti and Rome flags this consequence of the growing popularity of cycling in the world.
Amsterdam based Velo Mondial has convinced the other members of the consortium of the benefits of developing an application for the European satellite Galileo. With this application Galileo can visualize objects in cities. A parallel program will analyze if cycle paths are blocked by cars, will identify them and store their license plate details. It is then up to the authorities to act upon the generated data. This application is now possible with Galileo since it operates more satellites than the US based GPS. More details will follow at the occasion of the launch of ‘Amsterdam Cycling to sustainability’ during Intertraffic at RAI Conference center in Amsterdam. A more detailed Spicycles newsletter will be available soon.

Amsterdam Cycling to Sustainability

The Initiative ‘Amsterdam Cycling Capital’ has developed into a broad platform that will start up quite a number of projects on sustainable mobility. The bicycle will serve as an icon.
It is our pleasure to invite you to the launch of the ‘Amsterdam Sustainable Mobility Platform’ and the International Campaign: ‘Amsterdam Cycling to Sustainability’.
1 April: 16.00 – 18.00 Launch of the international campaign & Amsterdam Sustainable Mobility Platform
2 April: 09.30 – 12.45 Amsterdam City of Sustainable Mobility Symposium
3 April: 11.30 – 13.00 The Public Bicycle Workshop
3 April: 14.00 – 15.30 Technical tour to the North South Metro building project.
More on the program and how you can register can be read here.

Cycle Safety Campaign Transport for London

Only a tiny fraction of all the information going into your brain enters your consciousness. People often fail to see a change in their surroundings because their attention is elsewhere. This phenomenon is known as "change blindness". Even stranger, if you are concentrating on something, you can become blind to other events that you would normally notice. This "inattention blindness" is possibly the reason why motorists collide with cyclists.
Just as it is important for road users to keep an eye out for cyclists, cyclists must also take steps to ensure they are seen by motorists.See this add.

Cycling transformation in London

London is likely to become one of the most cycle-friendly places in the world, with a series of two-wheeler superhighways cutting a swath through traffic and congestion. Plans for the super-cycleways will be unveiled next week as part of an initiative to stimulate a 400% increase in the number of people pedalling round the capital by 2025. At a cost of £400m, the 12 routes are intended to be the motorways of cycling and are likely to be emulated by other cities across the UK. Londoners without bikes will be able to use one of the city's free bicycles.
"We want nothing short of a cycling transformation in London," said the mayor, Ken Livingstone. "We are announcing the biggest investment in cycling in London's history, which will mean that thousands more Londoners can cycle in confidence, on routes that take them quickly and safely to where they want to go."

Creating the World’s Longest Bike and Pedestrian Bridge

Governor Eliot Spitzer of the State of New York said on January 9, 2008: "In what will be the first major investment in our parks leading up to the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s first voyage up the Hudson River, today I am announcing the State’s commitment to transform the dormant Poughkeepsie Rail Bridge into an awe-inspiring historic park, complete with a walkway and bikeway that will create a unique public space with breathtaking views of the Hudson."
Read all about it: Walkway over the Hudson
Amsterdam Cycling Capital will contribute to the Hudson400 celebrations with a cool program. People in 'Greater' New York are cordially invited to bring ideas and participate in the program.

Spicycles Cycling Planning

The Spicycles Team met at November 29 & 30, 2007 in Ploiesti Romania, for a Workshop on Planning for Cycling and for a Project Management Group meeting. In this Newsletter Spicycles reports the results of the Workshop on Planning for Cycling

Attitudes to cycle helmets

The active promotion of helmet use by cyclists is a fiercely controversial and often emotional subject, with views put forward with great conviction both for helmets and sceptical of their value. Controversy is particularly acute with regard to mandatory helmet laws. But the heart of the matter is: Less cycling increases risk for those who do cycle: Safety comes in numbers! It is also logic to wear a helmet if you are a child or a speed cyclist. Helmets do not help when in collision with cars; the difference in speed between car and cyclist or pedestrian cannot be compensated by a helmet. Helmets can even suggest to car drivers that the cyclists are safe. Then they are better off without. Read more at the Bicycle Helmet Research Foundation

Greening of Transport in Paris

New Mobility has prepared a 130 pages Policy Brief on Planning and Implementing a City Bike System. It opens with an overview of the broader process that the city of Paris and the teams behind the Greening of Paris agenda have engaged, and from there moves on to provide in-depth background on the history and process of city bike developments at the leading edge. From there it looks in depth at the new and very large JCDecaux Vélib' system in Paris as a leading example, and then in its final chapters reaches much further back to consider how such a transformative project can fit into the larger new mobility and sustainability framework of your city.

China Car Free Day September 22, 2008

China, the entire country, will have a car free day on September 22, 2008. China plans to ban cars from streets in 108 cities in its first ``No Car Day'' on Sept. 22, part of an effort to promote environmental protection and ease congestion in the world's second-largest auto market. Streets in areas of Beijing, Shanghai and other cities will be open only to pedestrians, bicycles, taxis and buses from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., according to the Ministry of Construction. Sept. 22 is World Carfree Day, a United Nations-backed global campaign. About 4.37 million new vehicles began using China's roads in the first half as economic growth makes cars and trucks affordable to more people. Growth in traffic helped China surpass the U.S. as the world's largest carbon-dioxide emitter last year. ‘No Car Day' will cut 3,000 tons of emissions and save 33 million liters of gasoline.

Dubai Cycling Master Plan to be implemented

Velo Mondial is involved in creating a Cycling Master Plan for Dubai. The Roads and Transport Authority has carried out a study on the use of the bicycle as a means of transport and a fun sport in the Emirate. With Alta Planning of California and Balancia of The Netherlands Velo Mondial has been instrumental in setting up Bicycle Network Master Plan that will be implemented in stages from this year. Read the article in the Khaleej Times

Copenhagen the best city for cycles

Amsterdam is proclaiming to be Cycling Capital of the world. In 2015 Copenhagen promises to be justifiably famous as the capital city in the world with the best urban Environment. It will have become the Eco-Metropole of the world, thus demonstrating that environmental concern adds an extra dynamic to urban development. Copenhageners and visiting guests will be able to see and appreciate the improvements, while at the same time the city will be sharing active responsibility for global environmental development. Moreover Copenhagen will become the world’s best city for cycles. Not only will people be able to cycle quickly to their destination but above all safely. The heat is on!

At the Frontiers of Cycling: Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany

This article presents six detailed case studies of cycling in the Netherlands (Amsterdam and Groningen), Denmark (Copenhagen and Ideal intersection modifications in Muenster: Special bike access lane, advance stop line, and priority green light for cyclists. Cyclists well into intersection before cars can even start to move. Source: City of Muenster, Department of Transport Planning Odense), and Germany (Berlin and Muenster). Except for Berlin, they represent the very best in coordinated policies and programs to make cycling safe, convenient, and attractive. © 2007 Eco-Logica Ltd.
















Art: Nicholas Whitaker

Cycling in Bucharest, Bolzano and Bromley

Euronews has made a nice overview of the reasons why cities want to plan for cycling. They focus on Bucharest, Bolzano and Bromley. Have a look and be inspired. Be aware: this movie has a long download time.

I Amsterdam Cycling Capital

For Velo Mondial one of the priorities in 2008 and further years will be: Amsterdam!
Cycling Amsterdam is for many foreigners one of the major unique selling points of the city. To them cycling is, more than many other prominent features of the capital, one of its most visible qualities. Visitors and ex-pats very much appreciate this mode of transport and after a little exercise most of them spend a lot of their time cycling; they immediately reap the benefits of their speedy and healthy transport. For those who spend prolonged time in Amsterdam, cycling becomes a away of life, like it is for the Dutch, for whom cycling is like swimming is for fish: they just do it, without paying too much attention to it. When foreigners go home they may occasionally rent a bike or irregularly join a tour, but a way of life without making it a big thing, is not really an option for many. Amsterdam Cycling Capital will come to their rescue. Starting April 2008, a program will be developed that offers support to many city managers – politicians and policy people alike – who want to make mobility in their city sustainable. Cities who want to support their economy, their urban environment as well as serve the quality of life of their inhabitants will be able to benefit from this program. This blog will keep you updated, and hopefully when the program starts you will hear this from a variety of sources.

Database for sustainable development of cities

Susta-Info is a global database of case studies and publications, validated by research institutes, 'associations of cities' and expert groups. Susta-Info is an EU DG Research supported project and uses the same search software as http://velo.info/ , the database for cycling planning expertise that momentarily is under reconstruction in http://spicycles.velo.inf0/.
Susta-Info supports local authorities and experts in attaining sustainable development, by establishing a portal and web based database. Practitioners in Europe and beyond will have unconstrained access to information on sustainable development from the urban research programs supported by both UN-HABITAT and the European

Susta-Info:

• supports local authorities and experts in attaining sustainable development, by establishing a portal and web based database, making knowledge on local sustainable development accessible to a large group of targeted users


• makes knowledge on local sustainable development easily accessible through generalized formats and search methodologies and


• can be accessed in English, French, German and Spanish

Bikes for Climate Change Conference

At least 200 bicycles were available on loan to all attendees of the climate change meeting which took place last December in Bali. The participants of the UN conference got to know the advantages of bicycle as means of transportation. Initially some 700 bicycles were planned but some parties cancelled their delivery.
The bicycles together with 120 buses were a response to expected heavy traffic with increased carbon emissions during the UN climate change meeting. Roads within the Nusa Dua tourist enclave conference venue was closed to traffic to reduce traffic congestion and emissions loads.
The infrastructure in the Nusa Dua enclave suited very well for biking while the scorching heat made it hard for walking. Not all visitors of the conference used the bicycles for transportation as an estimated 15,000 people took part in the climate conference.

Author : Jan-Willem van Schaik Source : Jakarta Post

Main Network Emission Free Traffic

Many cities never use cycling and cycling planning as a means of regulating of emissions (CO2, NOx Noise). European policies now oblige cities to act. European measures now oblige cities to act. With the introduction of a Main Network for Emission Free Traffic, modes of transport that do not emit, like electric cars, bike taxis and bicycles, will get an improved and much wider space to move fast in the city. As a consequence car lanes will have to be taken out to allow for emission free lanes to be builtThis new type of thinking about infrastructure provides an attractive alternative to car drivers – who are disencouraged to enter city centers – to choose emission free modes rather than other motorized alternatives.
The Main Network for Emission Free Traffic stands in the tradition on the Main Network for cars, the Main Network for public transport and the Main Network for bicycles.
Velo Mondial promotes the implementation of these plans with many local actors in industry, business and universities.
Shimano has sponsored a nice film on cycling in Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Bogotha. Also have a look at some images of cyling in Amsterdam and tips on how to behave as a cylclist:

Electric bicycles make the difference

Riding a bike takes an effort some people cannot afford due to health or age. Others are no longer allowed to use their car in the city, nor any other mode of Emission rich transport. And others again are just lazy.
The ideal solution for alln this is the electric bicycle.With this bike you preserve the advantages of riding a city bicycle:
- No traffic jams
- Healthy
- No parking problems
The silent electromotor in the front wheel gives you that push in the back, as if you are riding with the wind in your back. You can decide yourself how much effort you want to do. The more effort you put in, the faster you go and the further you ride on one battery.

Rome to be the next European Cycling City

Rome goes big time for bike-sharing, deploying 20.000 (!!!) bikes by 2008. They want to instantly match Paris.
Rome will start with a pilot of 250 bikes and then by mid-2008 have a public tender for service and rolling stock (20.000 bikes). All up and running before the end of the year.
Cemusa, Gruppo Formento Costrucciones y Contratas, take care of everything, at no costs for the city. Rome is the second Spicycles city after Barcelona to implement the public bicycle. Most major European cities have entered or are entering a competition that makes them the best cycling city around.

Virgin's 11 Best Bike Cities in the world

1. Amsterdam
2. Portland, Oregon
3. Copenhagen
4. Boulder, Colorado
5. Davis, California
6. Sandnes, Norway
7. Tronheim, Norway
8. San Francisco, California
9. Berlin
10. Barcelona
11. Basel, Switzerland

The World According to Virgin

Virgin has put together a list of the top 11 friendliest cities for bikes in the world, based on criteria advanced by the League of American Bicyclists.
1. Engineering (bike parking, designated lanes, etc.)
2. Encouragement (events and campaigns)
3. Evaluation and Planning (ongoing political bodies that make changes to existing laws and plan for the future)
4. Education (bike maps and awareness campaigns)
5. Enforcement (making motorists heel)

Standard for Electrically Power Assisted Cycles.

The members of the Technical Committee TC333 for bicycles have discussed at the Brussels office of the CEN, the European Committee for Standardization, an almost final draft of the new safety standard for e-Bikes. It’s the EN 15194 for EPACs; Electrically Power Assisted Cycles. Now, a second public inquiry will start at CEN committee’s in 30 countries. It is expected that early 2008 the new standard for e-Bikes will be accepted by the European Commission and come into effect. This second public inquiry on the EN15194 for EPAC’s follows a first one that got lots of comments. It resulted in the finalization of requirements and test methods and the draft that is now being discussed. This draft contains the scope of the standard EN 15194 which are: EPACs up to a voltage of 48 DC. Maximum continuous rated power of 250 W. Read More in Bike Europe.

















Picture & Design: De Fietsfabriek

Yugo Cycling Campaign organizes bike tour for ministers

Before the opening of the the Sixth Ministerial Conference "Environment for Europe"" in Belgrade October 11, "Yugo Cycling Campaign" organized a short bike tour for ministers. Lead by the Serbian Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Bozidar Djelic, about 30 ministers of environment as well as education, took part in the ride. The motto of the Conference was "Environment for Europe" and 56 ministers from Europe, US and Canada attended it. Addresing the press on the occasion, the Serbian Environment Minister, Mr. Sasa Dragin said that "a bicycle has an important role in solving problems of environment and that he regularly cycles when he is free".

Bodø in Norway plans Bicycle Tube

The city of Bodø in the County of Nordland in northern Norway wants to become a bicycle city. NPRA and the municipal of Bodø have suggested building in a foot and bicycle path between the College of Higher Education and the city centre to make cycling easier and more attractive. Some years ago a glass roof was constructed over a part of the main street and the experience with the project was so positive, now the inhabitants of Bodø gladly look forward to the tube being built. The idea, which was introduced by the City Plan Director, Jørn Roar Moe, is to construct a framed structure covered with transparent plastic plates. The bicycle tube will have a number of roofed openings for access and ventilation. There will also be internal illumination. The tube will hold physical separated roads for cyclists and pedestrians.
Read this article in NORDIC

New York and the League of American Bicyclists

New York is creating a European style bike lane that will separate bicyclists from motorists. The Ninth Avenue bike lane in Manhattan is being built between a sidewalk and a lane for parked cars. Today New York was awarded the bronze for bike friendliness. The award comes from the League of American Bicyclists, the US bike advocacy group.

But the question is if New York is not seriously lagging behind most European Cities?

Paris JCDecaux Public Bicycle

The Public Bicycle as organized by JCDecaux in Paris - the Vélib - is a rousing success. Cities often ask Velo Mondial how this new system of public bicycles works. These are 33 questions & answers about all there is to know about Vélib. The Niches project gives you Policy Notes on Public Bicycles in general.

Amsterdam Cycling Capital

Last Car Free Sunday, 23 September 2007, Amsterdam Cycling Capital was launched in Art Society De Kring in Amsterdam. Present were the Vice Mayor of Amsterdam Marijke Vos, City staff for Traffic & Transport, Spatial Planning & The Environment. Also representatives fro businesses and Consumers were present. Dr. Adnan Rahman Managing Partner of Ecorys positioned sustainable mobility in the context of a city's ambition, and Velo Mondial's Pascal van den Noort and Jos Louwman of Macbike presented the Amsterdam Cycling Capital plans:
This is the text that goes with the slides; these are the pictures of the succesful launch.

• To promote Amsterdam as a fine city to live, work and recreate, because of its massive cycling
• Make its knowledge on planning for sustainable mobility available to cities around the world
• To develope Amsterdam even further as sustainable mobile city.

Also see: In Amsterdam cyclists get the Green Wave.

23rd World Road Conference

Velo Mondial contributed to the debate with a speech and with a research document in English 'Vulnerable, yet Sustainable, Cycling as a challenge for many cities' et en Francais: ‘La mobilité des usagers vulnérables de la route dans le monde’.
This research was done by Benoit Beroud and Pascal van den Noort to prepare the presentation on the 'Vulnerable Road users' at the:

Schiphol Airport and Cycling

Green corridor surrounding Amsterdam
This article by Pascal van den Noort- unfortunately only published in Dutch in Vervoerskunde -promotes sustainable mobility in and around Schiphol Airport by promoting decentralized airplane check-in at Railway Stations. In October 2007 this proposal for a check-in facility has been accepted by Schiphol as a feasible option for the future, and they will study it in depth.

The article also promotes solutions for congestion on the Ring Road around Amsterdam, by developing Ringroad Transferia and 'Clean Transport Highways' to Amsterdam's Center City: Highways for bikes, bike taxis, electric vehicles etc.
The article links relevance of the economy, with the environment and quality of life of Amsterdammers.

















Public Transport Bike Station at Schiphol Airport

Kyoto Chip

This proposal document is aimed at making every individual European citizen even more aware of their personal CO2 emissions than instruments already in place will achieve. Now that CO2 emission trading has started there will be a greater awareness in the industrial and business sectors of this issue. We believe that this awareness should be replicated at the individual level, as once citizens are made aware of this, that they will be able to make better choices about their travel and help save on CO2 emissions as well. We seek funding to start a feasibility study on this in a big European city such as Brussels, or an Island.
Read further: http://www.velomondial.net/page_display.asp?pid=29

Land Use and Transport Planning

The LUTR cluster links several different projects in the area of sustainable urban mobility, including land use, transportation, and the environment.
The common objective is to develop strategic approaches and methodologies in urban planning that all contribute to the promotion of sustainable urban development. This includes issues of transportation demands and related land use planning, the design and provision of efficient and innovative transportation services including alternative means of transportation, and the minimization of negative environmental and socio-economic impacts.
Velo Mondial represents the Velo.Info project in this cluster.
The key conclusions from PLUME can be read in: http://www.velomondial.net/UserFiles/File/PLUME%20Final_Report.pdf