Workshop SP 8, Thursday 22 June, 14.00 - 15.30

Urban planning as facilitator for cycling

Albert Jansen, Novem, The Netherlands Traffic Engineer Meets Urban Planner Local Traffic Performance: Development and Application of Integrated Urban and Transport Planning This paper describes the development of the Local Traffic Performance (LTP) approach and its accompanying design and calculation instrument. The LTP approach can be used at local level when developing new locations or for reconstruction of existing urban areas. The LTP strategy focuses on energy reduction in traffic and transport by means of smart infrastructure and planning of residential areas. The LTP approach integrates traffic engineering, transport planning and urban planning. LTP achieves reduction of energy use in transport by means of smart and sustainable planning. As an instrument LTP uses a combination of transport modelling techniques and energy use assessment. LTP has been applied for over 30 developments in the Netherlands. LTP is strongly supported by local authorities. First results of applications of the approach show that a significant reduction of energy use and sustainable urban development can be achieved.

Bert Kunnen, planner and transport-expert, Fietsersbond (the Dutch Cyclists Union), the Netherlands The Bicycle as ‘polder-model’ In a land like the Netherlands, where space is scarce, there is a strong influence of the government on spatial planning. Local authorities have an important influence on the planning of residential and working areas. Developments are usually being planned according to the principle of ‘compact towns’. This policy is also based on the thought that this should make a contribution to reducing the growth of auto mobility. That way the bicycle is supposed to get an exquisite opportunity. Therefore livability, economical land use, public health and environmental protection are stimulated. Practice now shows that, despite all good intentions, the position of the bicycle is still hard won. It appears that a typical cycling country has no standard procedures in favor of the bicycle in spatial planning. This contribution examines the causes of this controversy. Points raised include: a strong automobile lobby versus a weak bicycle lobby; the financial feasibility of developments; the lazy way politics and authority deal with contributions of civilians and pressure groups; the ideals of the town planner versus the cycle-minded traffic expert; the choice for ease of reach for automobiles versus ease of cycling and the struggle of finding the right moments for participation. In this contribution concluding remarks will be presented on the planning process, possibilities for improvement of the lobby for the bicycle and opportunities for the bicycle in spatial planning.