ABSTRACT
When the automobile competed with the train in the 1960s, streamlining chain mobility became important to Dutch Railways (NS). In seeking new passengers and retaining existing ones, improving chain mobility has become a spearhead of strategic policy. Partners were sought, like Fietsersbond, and together they convinced the national government that the linear city with cyclists as before transport would lead to a powerful train system as an answer to growing car use. An important activity became influencing land use planning. It was important for more travelers to live within walking and cycling distance of stations. Using primary sources, this chapter shows how the Dutch railroads played a forgotten but important and unique role in enriching the TOD concept with cycling as a feeder mode. Houten is an example of a bicycle town heavily influenced by NS planners. It was Fietsersbond who made the NS aware that new rail infrastructure also included the construction of bicycle parking facilities. This was translated into the plan Stalling 21 (Parking 21). Co-financing from the state and municipalities could be arranged and has led to a substantial increase in covered parking facilities at stations.
