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The cyclist as a driver of change. About the constructors of cycle paths and their influence on the cultural landscape
Nowadays bicycle paths play a prominent role in the development of spatial plans in the Netherlands. However, this was not the case at the end of the 19th century when bicycles gained in popularity. Because the available roads were suboptimal for cyclists a demand for proper cycling paths grew. As the national government had no interest in constructing paths, citizens took matters into their own hands. This article investigates the creation of bicycle paths in rural areas in the Netherlands between 1885 and the 60s of the 20th century, the role of private parties and the national government and how their ideas as to why and how a path should be constructed influenced the surrounding landscape.