In the Netherlands, cycling is a matter of course. Practically everyone owns a bicycle, which they use regularly. Some people cycle to work or school, while for others cycling is a leisure activity. This document outlines the importance of bicycles and cycling in the Netherlands. It also includes concrete recommendations on how cycling could be encouraged in the Netherlands. Central government policy addresses bicycles and cycling only incidentally. This is partly explained by the fact that cycling policy is largely the responsibility of local governments and others. It is nevertheless good to consider what part the central government could or should play in this respect. Where possible, this document also considers the European dimension. The Netherlands can learn a great deal from various initiatives abroad. The Danish city of Odense, for example, has an extremely innovative cycling policy. Thanks to sixty different small-scale measures, cycling there has increased by nearly 20%. This document is by no means exhaustive or complete in terms of analysis and suggestions. It hopes it will give rise to an integrated government document on cycling policy, with on-going attention for bicycles and cycling in all departments. (Author/publisher)
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