SOCIAL STATUS AND POSITION OF THE BICYCLE IN THE NETHERLANDS ---PROCEEDINGS VELO CITY 87 INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS. PLANNING FOR THE URBAN CYCLIST, MARTINIHAL CENTRE GRONINGEN, NETHERLANDS, 22-26 SEPTEMBER, 1987.

The Netherlands is considered as probably the most cycling friendly country in the world. Some 14 million dutchmen possess about 13 million bicycles. Of all modes of transport bicycle usage has shown the fastest growth in recent years; in 6 years there has been an almost 29% growth rate. There are 10% more female bicycle users than male. The highest bicycle usage is in the 5-13 year old age group. The next highest usages are in the 15-18 year and the 45-65 year old age groups. The large number of bicycles in use make special provisions for cycling traffic necessary. At present, there is a cycle track network of about 22000 kilometers in the Netherlands. Important provisions are the cycle routes in urban areas. Generally speaking dutchmen are positive about cycling and the bicycle, but strangely Dutch cyclists have little interest in traffic safety. Safety is considered to be important and lots of people say that they cycle less because of the lack of safety, yet measures to enhance safety are neglected. There is a rather uninterested attitude. This behaviour is not only shown in traffic but also in the way the bicycle is treated. The maintenance of the bicycle is being neglected which increases the danger of the cycling. For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 816307.