The Province of Utrecht, the municipalities of Amersfoort, De Bilt, De Ronde Venen, Houten, Soest, Uithoorn, Utrecht, Zeist, Utrecht University, Schiphol and the Amsterdam Transport Region have confirmed their intentions by signing an agreement to establish four new through-cycle routes. This expresses the involved authorities commitment to further developing a faster, coherent and future-proof cycling network in the province.

Deputy André van Schie: I am pleased that we will establish four more through-cycle routes and that we emphasize this together with municipalities and involved partners through this signing. As a province, we want to make cycling as attractive as possible. By focusing on through-cycle routes, we make it easier for commuters, students and recreational cyclists to make a healthy choice more often and to take the bike. Especially for short trips - up to 15 kilometers - it applies: thats quickly cycled!

Four new, fast cycling connections

The intention agreements lay the foundation for the development of four new through-cycle routes:

  • Houten Castellum – Culemborg (up to the ferry over the Lek)
  • Houten – Utrecht Center
  • Amersfoort – Soesterberg - Zeist – Utrecht Science Park
  • Mijdrecht – Uithoorn – Schiphol

These routes form a next step in the growth of the regional network of through-cycle routes. This makes it more attractive for commuters, students and recreational cyclists to take the bike for trips up to about 15 kilometers. The signing marks the start of the further elaboration of the routes.

Alderman De Ronde Venen Anja Vijselaar: Our municipality is crossed by important connecting roads, such as the N201, which connect villages and cities. Traffic pressure on these routes is increasing, partly due to housing construction and growing mobility. That is why a through-cycle route system is a huge added value for De Ronde Venen. It offers residents and visitors a safe, fast and sustainable alternative. We actively promote cycling – a through-cycle route is a crucial link in this.

Study of new routes

In the study phase, the province investigates together with municipalities, residents, and the Cyclists Union which route is most suitable for a new through-cycle connection. Variants are compared and coordinated with road managers. After agreement, preparation and construction start. Based on previous projects, the province expects that a new through-cycle route can be ready for use within four to six years after the start of the study phase.

We are pleased that Houten and the region are becoming increasingly accessible via fast through-cycle routes. There is a great need for this. It is good that the Province of Utrecht gives priority to this! - Wouter van den Berg, Alderman Mobility Municipality of Houten.

About through-cycle routes

Through-cycle routes are wide, comfortable and easily recognizable cycle paths between cities and villages. They have green F-signs, so cyclists can easily find the route. The paths are lit where possible, have priority at intersections and are logically connected. This allows cyclists to ride safely and with few interruptions.

These routes make it easier to cycle longer distances, for example to work, school or a station. They provide people with a pleasant and fast alternative to the car and help keep the province accessible and livable. Through-cycle routes thus provide more cycling comfort and a healthy, sustainable way of traveling.

For press information:
jelmer.geerds@provincie-utrecht.nl
06 42 47 30 33

For general questions:
fiets@provincie-utrecht.nl 

See also