Abstract
Based on statistical data the density and the distance between roads in a (theoretical) regular hierarchical network outside built-up areas have been calculated. Next, travel times have been calculated from the rural area to the nearest motorway, along the minor rural roads and the secondary network. The average travel time is 15 minutes, the maximum is 30 minutes. On a regional scale, considerable differences will appear. It is concluded speed level on the secondary roads is of genuine importance, for both accessibility of the rural area and for traffic calming on minor roads.