The Dutch programme ‘Doortrappen’ (‘keep pedalling’) aims to keep seniors cycling as safely and as long as possible. The programme was launched in 2018 with a variety of local activities. The actual effect on road safety has not been studied; however, participants’ experiences have been examined.
‘Doortrappen’ was initiated by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. The programme is coordinated nationally but implemented at the municipal level. According to the Doortrappen website, over 220 municipalities are now actively engaged in the programme. With all kinds of activities and tips for safe cycling, ‘Doortrappen’ aims to make cycling safer for senior citizens. Keeping seniors socially involved is also an important goal of the programme.
The Mulier Institute has assessed the programme [35]. Interviews with participants (individually and in focus groups) showed that they were generally positive about their participation. Where road safety was concerned, participants were particularly enthusiastic about the practical tips they received, for example on adjustments to their bicycles and the choice of cycling times and routes. For a majority of them, this made them feel safer in traffic. It is not known whether this feeling of increased safety is actually valid, i.e. whether participation in ‘Doortrappen’ leads to safer cycling behaviour and fewer unsafe situations for senior road users. A safety-relevant recommendation that emerged from the evaluation was to pay more attention to dealing with specific risk factors for elderly cyclists, such as cycling at low speed, colliding with an obstacle, going off the road and turning left.
