Dutch Cycle Paths

[johnwoodgate]

Good Morning everyone,

I'm a newbie member of the forum and an ancient briton to boot. Does anyone have any experience of cycling in The Netherlands and using a cycle navigation system called 'Knooppunten'? This translates as 'Button Points'. At each cycle path junction there is a sign with a number on it and giving directions to the next junction. I've looked at the websites dealing with this system and have a good idea how it works but I'd like some feed back from any of you who have real experience. Was it easy to follow, for example? Did you use a map or just a list of junction numbers?

[tim_f]

It is useful if one does not have a very detailed map with all the cycle paths on.

Typically at key points a detailed map with the numbered points marked on it is displayed. One can decide a route referencing general direction from ones own map and make a note of the numbers and follow them until the next key point.

[pal]

I find it useful if I've got a definite route in mind: you can write down the sequence of numbers on a bit of paper (and stick that in a handy pocket, or even tape it to the handlebars), and then just follow that all day (rather than having to stop and check a map at each junction): it's like a low-tech bike satnav. I like to have a proper map as back-up, though, in case I feel like changing plans along the way (or in case I miss a number and go wrong -- though this has happened very rarely).

[johnwoodgate]

Thanks 'tim_f' and 'pal'. Your words of wisdom have been noted. Have either of you followed the Landelijke Fietsroutes, the long-distance cycle paths across Holland?

[Merry_Wanderer]

My OH and I have just returned from an 8 day trip to the Netherlands, very enjoyable it was too. We spent 4 days around Ouderwater near Gouda and 4 days near 'S-Heerenburg by the German border and went on day trips from each base.

We used both the green and red signed routes. Red signed routes show the most direct route between places and green signed routes show a more scenic alternative. The green signed LF routes had a board with map at each numbered intersection. We found both easy to use but would recommend also getting the ANWB Fietskaart 1:50,000 map for that particular area as it will give a choice of routes as well as showing all of the routes on that map and all of the numbered intersections so you can see exactly where you are. I bought one map at Stanfords (about £13) in London and the other that we needed at a local Tourism Office in Ouderwater (9 euros 25).

20 ANWB 1:50,000 maps cover the Country. I also bought 'Cycling in the Netherlands' by Eric Van der Horst which cost £13.99 plus postage which has recommended longer cycle routes covering the country as well as general info about cycling in the Netherlands.

Just a note, the 'mushrooms' don't appear to be that common as according to Eric Van der Horst's book they are remnants of an older system of signage. The eye level route signs being the current system.

We found the signage to be good and reliable and (apart from the lack of many hills) the cycling was very enjoyable. We certainly enjoyed the separate paths away from traffic, although keep an eye and ear open for moped riders who are also allowed to use cycle paths!

[johnwoodgate]

Thank you 'Merry_Wanderer'. Yes I'll certainly get a copy of the book. Do you know the ISBN number? It just so happens I've already got a collection of the ANWB 1/50,000 maps on order. I live in Suffolk and within 2 hours cycling time from Harwich so 'going over' to The Netherlands is quite simple job for me. In August I will be cycling from the Hoek to Arnhem and visiting the Hoge Veluwe National Park. As I'm an oldie I plan to take 2 days to get to Arnhem and stay in B&Bs. I've joined a Dutch organisation called 'Vrienden op de Fiets' which comprises of a series of private Dutch houses who cater for cyclists and offer B&B for just 19 euros per night.

[Merry_Wanderer]

Hi John

The ISBN No. is 978-1900623193. I've just had a look and it shows the cycle path from Hoek to Nijmegen.

We visited the Hoge Veluwe National Park and very nice it was too. Excellent cycle paths in a compact area. The English language visitor's guidebooks were being given away for free by staff at the entrance when we went. We cheated and went there by car taking the bikes with us I don't know if it's different if you arrive there by bike but we had to pay an entry fee of 8 euros each.

PS If you like pancakes then you are in for a treat! They seem to be a Dutch national dish

[johnwoodgate]

Dear Merry,

Goodness it sounds like something out of 'Lord of the Rings'! Thanks very much for the ISBN number; I'll get the book ordered right away. Yes I do know about the Dutch 'Pannekoeken' and how delicious they are; fat boys food! But we cyclists don't have to worry as the exercise takes care of any extra kilograms; well that's my story and I'm sticking to it, so there!

[willem jongman]

See here: http://routeplanner.fietsersbond.nl/ind ... XeCxMpvfag for the on line cycle route planner that uses both the Knooppunten and the LF routes (plus every other road or cycle path that is necessary to get you where you want). The interface is now in a multitude of languages, including English.
Willem

[johnwoodgate]

Hallo Willem Jongman,

Bedankt voor de link. Ik ben U erg dankbaar. Ik houd van Nederland; mooi land en vriendelijke mensen vooral voor een engelsman die een heel klein beetje nederlands spreekt.

[willem jongman]

Thanks, and well done: not a single mistake.
Willem

[zed]

We've cycled in the Netherlands these last couple of years, and a very pleasurable experience it has been. The 'node point' system is first class, but can fall down when you encounter roadworks, especially if diverted, and the precious signs dry up! So it is as well to have the appropriate maps to hand, which you will need for route planning anyway.

And the 'Vrienden op de Fiets', you get to stay with some very interesting folk from all walks of life, some of whom will have travelled the world on their bikes, and have their stories to tell (if you ask them).

Enjoy!

[johnwoodgate]

Thanks zed. Your comments have been noted. I shall be carrying a good supply of ANWB Cycle Maps when I travel from De Hoek to Oosterbeek near Arnhem in August. I have cycled in the Netherlands a lot but that was 30 years ago. When I last went the 'Knooppunten' system was but a twinkle in the eye of the designer. Yes I am that old. When I was born dinosaurs roamed the earth. You do believe me, don't you?

[zed]

Hi John
Can't believe the bit about dinosaurs - I first cycled in the Netherlands 51 years ago on my Raleigh Blue Streak. The bike paths were strips of concrete alongside the main road which seemed to go in a straight line to infinity, usually with a strong headwind. It was common to see women wearing traditional dress, and even the odd clog wearer, but no prehistoric creatures! Also got sunstroke, something I couldn't have suffered the last couple of trips

[johnwoodgate]

Thanks zed,

Yes I too remember those head winds; they made the winds in ones own country seem like nothing at all. Glad to read that you're also an 'oldie' like me. We'd better stick together; a minority group like us we could be persecuted! I was last in The Netherlands on a bicycle in 1983. There was no such thing as mobile phones then and though there were computers they hadn't really caught on in the strict sense. I'm looking forward to returning in the summer. I'm now reading the book 'Cycling in the Netherlands' by Eric van der Horst which was recommended by an earlier forum member. It's very readable. Apart from that I've started a home study course called 'Taking Dutch Further' as I already speak, or perhaps I should say murder, a bit of the language. My ambition is to be fluent and now that I'm retired I can spend a lot of time doing the necessary hard graft.