In 1989 the Dutch government abandoned its old car-orientated transport policy in favour of an environmentally friendly policy favouring public transport and bicycles. This had been pre-empted 12 years earlier by the city of Groningen where a modal split of bicycle 57%, car 37% and public transport 6% had been achieved. The city's economic and planning policies are outlined and their effect on transport discussed. The emphasis has been on land use planning and traffic management to benefit public transport and cycling at the expense of motor traffic. The development of an 'intensification zoneedaround the station area and the treatment of the town centre are considered in more detail. The advantages to the city of having a high number of cyclists are listed.
Samenvatting