fietsbaan

Fietsbaan is a Dutch term for a bicycle facility that provides dedicated space for cyclists. It can denote a lane within a street (a bike lane) or a separate path designed for bicycle use (a cycle track). In practice, the term is used in different contexts, and the exact arrangement depends on local guidelines; elsewhere similar facilities may be called fietspad, cycle track, or bike lane.

Two common configurations are: a) a painted or signed lane on the roadway, where cyclists share the street with motor vehicles but have a dedicated surface; b) a physically separated track beside the road, possibly with a curb, barrier, or raised verge, allowing two-way or one-way bicycle travel independently of motor traffic.

Fietsbaan infrastructure is a key component of cycling-friendly urban planning in the Netherlands, Belgium, and other parts of Europe, intended to improve safety and efficiency by reducing direct conflicts between cyclists and motor vehicles. The design and placement of fietsbaan must consider interactions with turning vehicles, pedestrian crossings, and intersections; careful signaling and intersection design are essential to safety.

Maintenance and management typically fall under municipal road authorities, who decide where to install fietsbaan facilities given traffic patterns, land use, and safety goals. The term encompasses both traditional bike lanes on streets and more elaborate cycle tracks, reflecting a broader move toward separating bicycle traffic from motorized traffic where feasible.