In the 1970s the municipality of Delft created a bicycle network plan. It is made up of three networks, each having its own functional and design characteristics:
- The city level network consists of a grid of cycle paths situated approximately 500 metres apart. The paths run directly through the city, and are connected with the regional bicycle-path system. The network is designed for the purpose of linking intensive flows of cyclists with important urban activity centres: schools, university, stations, offices and industrial areas, sport and recreation areas. Physical barriers (such as canals and railways) call for expensive engineering structures to be built to avoid detours.
- The district level network has two major functions. It connects the various facilities within the district (schools, shops, etc) and collects and distributes bicycle traffic to and from the city level network. The links at this level are spaced 200 to 300 metres apart. The bicycle traffic flows on this network are assumed to be less heavy than at the city level and used for shorter distances. The facilities necessary at this level are relatively simple: separated bicycles lanes, small bridges and so on.
- The sub-district level network connects housing areas to local amenities, catering for short trips. This particular network is often used by children. The sub-district level network is a fine-grained system with links at 100 metre intervals, with a simple structure and provisions which can also be used by pedestrians.
Implementation of the network has had the following results: