ABSTRACT
Based on experiences in the USA and the Netherlands, this chapter presents and discusses four key elements that may encourage bicycling and walking to and within natural areas: infrastructure, connectivity, convenience and promotion. The chapter outlines components of a good bicycle and pedestrian plan, not elements that encourage bicycling and walking. Based on the experience in this countries, bicycling and walking can be encouraged if public land managers improve bicycling and walking facilities, establish easy and reliable connections between different modes of travel, make bicycling and walking convenient and cost-effective, and promote the use of bicycling and walking facilities. Managers are not expected to implement all of the four elements at once. They could start, for example, by building a piece of infrastructure near the visitor centre, and then developing a program to promote this infrastructure. This step-by-step approach is feasible and can significantly increase the share of bicycling and walking in natural areas in the medium term.
