CYCLISTS AND ROAD SAFETY IN THE NETHERLANDS ---PROCEEDINGS VELO CITY 87 INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS. PLANNING FOR THE URBAN CYCLIST, MARTINIHAL CENTRE GRONINGEN, NETHERLANDS, 22-26 SEPTEMBER, 1987.

The bicycle contributes substantially to the mobility of the Dutch people, presumably more so than in any other European country. Nearly every population group makes more use of bicycles both in urban and rural areas. Cyclists have their own specific road safety problems. In 1986 20% of the total number of traffic fatalities were cyclists. The recorded share of injured cyclists amounts to 24% of the total. After dealing briefly with the extent and type of road accidents involving cyclists, the effects of some specific safety measures for cyclists are discussed. These are mainly infrastructural measures, such as the creation of cycle tracks, both inside and outside built-up areas. It is in public interest to encourage the use of bicycles and to reduce the risks to which cyclists are exposed. Research must be co-ordinated and so must policies. For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 816307.