The Hague more attractive to cyclists

Over the coming years the municipality will make additional investments in bicycle use. The emphasis will be placed on creating more bicycle lock-ups, expanding and improving cycle paths and simplifying the rules.

The Hague is working continuously on improving facilities for bikes in order to stimulate cycling. The number of cyclists in The Hague has been growing steadily. Studies have shown that the number of cyclists has already grown by 10% since 2006. The municipality is aiming for a 30% increase by 2020.

People choose to take their bicycle if they can easily park it at home and at their destination. Fast and comfortable cycle routes also ensure that people grab their bike.

Red carpet treatment

In 2012 The Hague will again work to improve the cycle paths in the city. Some 20 kilometres of cycle paths will be paved with red asphalt. Between 2008 and 2010 52 kilometres of tiled paths were replaced with paved paths. An additional 13 kilometres were added in 2011.

According to Deputy Mayor Peter Smit (Transportation), ‘We want to make it as attractive as possible for people to grab their bikes and so we’re rolling out the ‘red carpet’ to give them a smoother ride.’ Smit explained that the municipality is investing nearly € 6 million to pave the bike paths.

The Municipal Executive considers the bicycle one of the cornerstones of sustainable mobility in the city and is making it a priority to construct dedicated cycle paths and cycle paths paved in red asphalt. In 2012 bike paths will be paved on the Van Alkemadelaan, Goeverneurlaan, Beresteinlaan, Laakkade and the Laan van Meerdervoort (between Mgr. Nolenslaan and Savornin Lohmanplein).

More lock-ups

A growing number of cyclists also means more bicycles on the street. The question now is: where do we put all those bikes? Most of the demand for bicycle lock-ups is in the city centre, at the train stations and at the larger bus and tram stops.

The Municipality of The Hague plans to create 2,500 new parking spots. A new Biesieklette lock-up with space for 500 bikes and a bike repair shop will open in the basement of the De Laan parking garage. More lock-ups will also be created at The Hague’s Central Station, Hollands Spoor station, Ypenburg station and Moerwijk station. Ypenburg station will get 320 covered bicycle stands and 40 bicycle lockers. There will also be more lock-ups at 30 large RandstadRail stops.

Bicycle parking requirements

The municipality plans to introduce requirements for the number of bicycle parking spots for newly built or renovated shops, offices and restaurants. This should ensure that there are enough spots for parked bicycles in busy areas like the city centre.