The municipality of The Hague has completed a successful pilot that has shown that cyclists can cycle faster through intersections in the Central Innovation District (CID). Traffic lights are set intelligently, so that they give cyclists green longer. Pedestrians also benefit from this. The negative effects on other road users, such as cars, remain within the applicable target values.
Robert van Asten, alderman for urban development: “The CID is developing rapidly. It is important that the area remains accessible, liveable and traffic safe for residents, entrepreneurs and visitors. Successful pilots like this contribute to this and ensure that the bicycle becomes an equal alternative to the car. That makes the CID more attractive to live, work and relax in.”
Pilot in the CID has positive results: waiting times for cyclists reduced
At six busy intersections in the CID, the traffic lights were equipped with a bicycle priority module between November 2023 and December 2024. This software makes it possible to give cyclists priority more often or for longer in specific situations, allowing them to travel from A to B more quickly. The pilot showed that the average waiting time for cyclists can be reduced by 50%, without creating a disproportionate burden for other road users.
Can also be used elsewhere in the city
The results of the pilot show that the use of the bicycle priority module has a positive effect on waiting times for cyclists. The software can already be used at various locations in the city. However, the use requires customization and will not produce the same results everywhere. The municipality will now investigate how the same module can also lead to positive results at other locations in the city.
No-Regret: new mobility system
The pilot is part of a package of mobility measures and subsidies from the municipality of The Hague, the municipality of Leidschendam-Voorburg, the Rotterdam The Hague Metropolitan Region (MRDH), the province of South Holland and the ministries of Infrastructure and Water Management and the Ministry of the Interior and Royal Relations. This package is intended to improve sustainable mobility in The Hague’s Central Innovation District and the Binckhorst (CID – Binckhorst).
Text & Image: Gemeente Den Haag. Translation: The Hague Online