This publication describes a new method required by the Dutch province of Groningen to judge the bicycle traffic in longitudinal direction within built-up areas. The method, known as the "priorities bicycle provisions" method, consists of three parts: (1) signalizing problems for bicycle traffic on road stretches, on the basis of the variables: traffic safety, increase of the portion of cyclists in the modal split and traffic operation of motorised traffic; (2) choosing solutions in terms of bicycle provisions using the above mentioned variables being made operational. The term 'bicycle provisions' is used here as a broad concept. Besides cycle tracks, reconstruction, traffic diversion, solutions for sidestreets, improvement of the view of exits and parking ban are also seen as belonging to that concept; and (3) cost effectiveness. By calculating the cost effectiveness of each proposed solution, the order of ranking leading to a list of priorities can be determined. In this way, it can be determined which bicycle provision should have the highest priority in order to realize safe and attractive bicycle routes in built-up areas. Finally, a few problems in the (future) use of the method are mentioned.
Abstract