€18 million funding for cycling highways in the Netherlands

The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW) has allocated a budget of €18 million for the construction of cycling highways across the Netherlands, enabling provinces and transport regions to develop additional cycling routes over the next three years.

Cycling highways are wide, comfortable paths that connect both urban and rural areas. Currently, there are approximately 750 kilometres of these routes in the Netherlands, with plans to construct an additional 1,400 kilometres by 2030.

In 2022, the government allocated a one-time budget of €780 million to improve bicycle access to new residential areas. For the first time, there is now a structural budget for cycling highways: €6 million per year. 

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management stated: "To maximise the impact of these funds, we have decided to consolidate the budget for the next three years and release it in a single instalment." Consequently, €18 million will be made available this year.

The Ministry highlighted the increasing recognition of the advantages of cycling: "Cycling is an economical mode of transportation that benefits both health and the environment. Additionally, it alleviates road traffic congestion." State Secretary, Vivianne Heijnen, added: "We aim to encourage more people to cycle by constructing safe and comfortable cycle paths."

Annual research by Tour de Force indicates that many of the cycling highway plans are ready for implementation. Applications for funding are evaluated based on several criteria - applicants must demonstrate how their proposed route will encourage more people to combine cycling with public transport and how their plan will enhance road safety. Funding awards will be announced in the autumn of 2024.