Amsterdam is taking bold steps to improve road safety. One of the latest proposals is to reduce the maximum speed of electric bikes to 20 kilometers per hour. This initiative comes in response to the increasing congestion on bike paths and the widening speed gap between traditional cyclists and e-bike users, which poses significant risks, especially for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
Melanie van der Horst, Amsterdam’s traffic alderman, intends to advocate for nationwide regulations in The Hague to make this speed limit a reality. “Amsterdam wants to bring the maximum speed of electric bikes down to 20 kilometers per hour to improve traffic safety in the city,” she stated.
Beyond regulatory changes, Amsterdam is exploring innovative technological solutions to enhance safety. Ideas include a smart app that alerts cyclists when entering specific zones or handlebar vibrations as unmistakable warnings. The city is also launching a pilot program encouraging faster cyclists to use the road instead of bike paths. Additionally, maximum speeds on certain roads will be reduced to 30 kilometers per hour, applying to e-bikes as well.
“A faster cyclist will be encouraged to ride on the road or slow down on the bike path, improving safety for everyone,” explains the city council.
The e-bike’s popularity is undeniable, with sales increasing yearly and contributing to increasingly crowded streets. However, this growth has led to a surge in traffic accidents, as reported by the STAR accident register. Paul Broer from the National Police notes, “This trend isn’t surprising given the rise in cycling and the increasing number of e-bikes on the road.”
Amsterdam’s proactive measures aim to address these safety challenges head-on, paving the way for safer shared spaces for all road users.
