Development of cycling paths and promotion of cycling as a primary mode of transportation: A case study of Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Abstract

This article focuses on the development of bicycle lanes and the promotion of cycling in the Amsterdam area, where bicycles are the primary mode of transportation. This is part of Amsterdam's efforts to become a bike-friendly city and maintain its worldwide reputation as the bicycle capital. It is also aligned with the Netherlands' sustainable development goals in transportation. The objectives of this article are as follows: 1) To study the development of bicycle lanes and promote bicycle use in the Amsterdam area. 2) To analyze the development of bicycle lanes and the promotion of bicycle use as the main mode of transportation in Amsterdam, using theoretical concepts. 3) To compare the development of bicycle lanes and the promotion of bicycle use in the Amsterdam and the Bangkok area. The study results revealed that 1) Developments related to bicycle usage in Amsterdam have been consistently and gradually occurring, with the government showing a genuine commitment. 2) These developments can be elucidated through the conceptual frameworks that Amsterdam has implemented and used to advocate for bicycle use. The three primary conceptual frameworks are the Smart City concept, Doughnut Economics Theory, and the Public Participation Approach. 3) Upon analysis and comparison with the Bangkok area, it was found that both regions share many similarities related to bicycle usage. The Bangkok area has the potential to further develop by drawing upon the guidelines and ideas from Amsterdam as a model, according to the context of Bangkok area.