The numbered-node cycle network (Dutch: fietsknooppuntennetwerk; German: Knotenpunktbezogene Wegweisung/Knotenpunktsystem für Radwanderern [formal] and Radeln nach Zahlen ["bike-by-numbers", informal][1]) is a wayfinding system. It spans the Netherlands, Belgium, parts of France and Germany, and parts of Croatia[citation needed], and is expanding rapidly, as of 2017[update].[2] Each intersection or node is given a number, and the numbers are signposted, so the cyclist always knows which way to go to get to the next node.
Numbers are not unique, but nodes with the same number are placed far apart, so that they can't be confused. To find a route, the cyclist uses a list of node numbers (the sequence of intersections they will pass through). The list is generated with a website, or a downloaded, roadside or paper map. Intersection numbers need little translation.
Bike networks are, by nature, more distributed than car routes, with more junctions; they do not gather all cyclists onto arterial bike routes. The numbered-node network makes long-distance bike travel simpler (by making it harder to get lost), and faster (by making frequent stops to check a map needless). Areas on the numbered-node network cite substantial economic benefits, including revenues from increased bike tourism.
The numbered-node network is more flexible than previous signage systems, which only indicated long, pre-determined routes. The numbered-node network signage can be used to plan and follow any arbitrary route through the network. This makes for more flexible bicycle touring, and is more usable for utility cycling.
