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Map of main bottlenecks on Dutch bicycle network

Breda University of Applied Sciences, together with the IT company Argaleo, has made an analysis of the delays on the bicycle network in the Netherlands. In the coming years, a lot of investments in infrastructure for cycling will be made to stimulate this sustainable way of transportation. The analysis helps road authorities to better focus on the improvement points of the bicycle path network. The bottlenecks are visualised in a so-called 'digital twin' data dashboard.

Every day, millions of people use a bicycle as part of their daily travel behaviour. In addition, the bicycle is regarded in policy terms as a sustainable means of transport for short and medium distances. Therefore, in the coming years, investments will be made nationally in the construction of cycling infrastructure and the stimulation of bicycle use. To get the most out of the investment, it is important to have insight into the size and location of bottlenecks on the bicycle network.

Are you a road authority also interested in the bottlenecks in your region?

Mapping bottlenecks

In the specific topic of bicycle delays, BUAS has developed a system to determine bicycle network delays on the basis of GPS bicycle data. These insights rarely speak for themselves, says programme manager of Dutch Cycling Intelligence Joost de Kruijf. "Every cyclist is dependent on their own muscle power, even when using an electric bicycle," says De Kruijf.

"We see that there are differences between the preferred speed of the individual cyclist and the actual speed. "The crux is then in the diversity of factors that impact on this speed. "Logically, traffic lights can cause delays," says De Kruijf. "In addition, you can think about whether or not bicycle paths are busy and distractions on the side of the bicycle path. Even the purpose of the ride can be a factor."

Top 50 bottlenecks in Nijmegen

Visualised insights based on facts

In addition to the technical content of the analyses, ease of use and the power of visualisation also play an important role; an indispensable link in moving from a policy question to relevant and usable insight. Partly because of this, the visualisation within the twin dashboards is a powerful tool in mapping out all the bottlenecks in the Dutch bicycle network.

The tool allows the user to compare the shortest and fastest route between different locations based on the bottlenecks. "For example, it is a myth that cyclists always choose the shortest route," says De Krijf. "Issues such as route experience, safety and comfort also play a major role here."

Analysis of fastest bicycle route

Dutch Cycling Intelligence

This analysis is part of the Dutch Cycling Intelligence programme. In this programme BUas and Argaleo work together with the state, provinces and municipalities to create new insights based on relevant policy questions. The basic philosophy in the programme is that all new research, analysis and insights are immediately implemented nationwide, so that all road authorities and other stakeholders can benefit directly. The bottleneck analysis is therefore immediately available in a national data dashboard, a so-called digital twin. With this tool, the user himself can determine locations that may be improved in order to ultimately make the Netherlands even more 'bicycle-friendly'.

"You can only really get a full return on your investment if you know exactly what is going on," says De Kruif. "I expect that every municipality will gain insight into the delays that cyclists actually experience on their route. In time, this will also make it very clear and measurable which investments in sustainability will pay for themselves."

Intersection analysis

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