Red vs Blue: Does cycle lane colour matter?

In the Netherlands, the widespread use of red as the colour for cycling lanes isn’t just a design quirk – it’s a deliberate choice, steeped in history, practicality, and a commitment to cohesive cycling infrastructure.

When dedicated cycling routes were trialled in the 1970s, cities like Tilburg chose red as they were attention-grabbing option, not to mention cost effective. Red tiles were cheaper and readily available, made from clay deposits abundant across the Netherlands. Over time, the colour stuck – first with bricks and tiles, and later with red-pigmented asphalt, creating a visual consistency that made the cycling network immediately recognisable.

The distinctive colour became a communication tool - red lanes indicate priority for cyclists at junctions, provide clarity at complex crossings, and make drivers more aware of cyclists.

The CROW Design Manual for Bicycle Traffic – the Dutch bible for cycling infrastructure – outlines ‘cohesion, directness, attractiveness, safety, and comfort’ as guiding principles. Colour plays a role in all of these. Cohesion, for instance, relies on consistent design to make networks easy to navigate and familiar, with red cycling lanes forming an unmistakable visual thread through Dutch cities.

{{cta-cycling}}

While Dutch planners lean into the logic of consistency, London’s blue Cycle Superhighways offer a striking contrast – in more ways than one. Launched under Boris Johnson’s mayoralty in 2010, the Superhighways were promoted as a bold vision for cycling in the capital. But why blue?

The official line is that blue offered high visibility while distinguishing the Superhighways from the red bus lanes already lining London’s streets. Yet, it’s hard to ignore the symbolism. Blue, after all, is the colour of the Conservative Party, and Johnson’s Superhighways may have coincided with his larger political ambitions. The Cycle Superhighways were a practical improvement, yes – but they were also a branding exercise.

Whatever the case, this choice of colour comes with drawbacks. Unlike the Dutch red asphalt, London’s blue lanes rely on thermoplastic paint, which wears quickly under heavy traffic. Paint may be cheaper upfront, but it fades, cracks, and deteriorates far faster than coloured asphalt. Dutch planners, by contrast, invest in longevity: red asphalt costs 10-20% more than black asphalt when only the top layer is coloured, but it lasts 20-25 years. The result? Better safety, lower long-term costs, and a network that remains cohesive and attractive.

Why cycle lane colour matters

While red dominates the Netherlands, it’s not the only colour in use. Yellow tiles appear in nature areas or historical towns. There’s no legal requirement for cycling infrastructure to be red – it’s simply a logical, consistent choice that has stood the test of time.

In the UK, where cycling infrastructure still battles for investment and space, the Dutch example offers a compelling lesson: colour matters. But it’s not just about visibility; it’s about cohesion, safety, and a willingness to design streets for people rather than cars.

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover  and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.

{{cta-cycling}}

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍