Bicycle road assistance

In the late summer of 2004, an experiment was held on Texel with bicycle road assistance ("Fietswegenwacht"). A bus was driven around Texel in August and September, providing road assistance to cycling tourists as well as inhabitants.

Studies

Partly at the initiative of the Foundation, various studies were undertaken on making transportation on Texel more durable. The aim is not to forbid use of the car altogether, but rather to make alternatives so attractive that tourist and Texelaar alike will leave their car on their drive more often.

These studies are:

• Integration of bicycle and bus on Texel. B. Oude Elberink, TU Delft, September 1998.

• Improved public transportation on Texel. J.A. Janse a.o., DTV Consultants, December 1998.

• Eco-Indicator improved public transportation on Texel. B. Oude Elberink, TU Delft, January 1999.

• Sustainable Bicycle Plan Texel. K+V, August 2000.

• ICT for Texel. Ebbo Ruiter a.o., TU Delft, July 2001.

Business plan

A business plan was drawn up in 2002, based on discussions with Texelaars and the above- mentioned studies. Tangible measures which have popular support and can be accomplished technically and financially in the short term are listed. 

The bus of the bicycle road assistance.

Temo

A consequence was the establishment of the TEMO: Texels Own Mobility Organization. The TEMO is in the process of expanding upon the recommendations in the business plan.

The TEMO has been in discussion for a while now with several bicycle manufacturers in producing an innovative bicycle. This bike would be supplied with a renewable energy source to make it easier to bike greater distances with less effort on Texel. The bike would be an attractive means of transportation, particularly for elderly people and those who are less mobile.

The TEMO is also busy with a manufacturer of bicycle racks to develop a bike rack suitable for hanging onto the back of busses and (telekom) taxis. In this way, the rental shops can offer a service whereby bicyclists can be picked up by a bus or taxi, for whatever reason (for example, bad weather or strong headwinds). More tourists would then be more likely to choose to bike when assured of getting back home.