Trial of 12mph bike lane speed limit grinds gears of Dutch cyclists | Netherlands

As road deaths rise and bike lanes fill up with e-bikes, the Netherlands considers a cycling speed limit of 12 mph (20 km/h).

The government has launched a two-week trial in Houten, near Utrecht, to gauge whether freedom-loving Dutch cyclists are willing to slow down and have any idea how fast they were going in the first place.

Last year, estimated 80,900 cyclists Cyclist deaths increase as crashes end up in emergency departments 14% to 281.

“Traffic safety is more important than ever because there are more and more different types of road users on cycle paths,” said Wouter van den Berg, Houten’s transport chief. “Fast bikes, fat bikes, racers, golf carts with kids inside, you name it. So when the government suggested this pilot, Houten raised his hand.”

Cameras were installed last week to measure the normal situation in Fossa Iberica, a 130-meter road containing a low-visibility intersection where 3,000 people a day travel in one direction and 1,000 in the other. Speed ​​limit signs were installed on Monday and a team of researchers will measure the results next week.

The Netherlands could have an excellent cycling infrastructure using bicycles for 27% of all tripsBut Van den Berg said strengthening the urban environment is difficult. “It all starts with how you organize public space, roads and streets – especially in new developments – to prioritize the slowest traffic,” he added. “But you can’t widen the bike lane here, otherwise you’d be in people’s living rooms.”

JanPeter Westein, 80, from cycling association Fietsersbond Houten, said the group was pleased the council had taken its concerns seriously. “I avoid peak times because I’m an older guy. But almost all the primary schools in Houten are on bike paths… and you don’t want parents saying they’re going to drive their kids because it’s not safe.”

Some cyclists were reluctant even before someone offered to issue a fine. A man narrated a current affairs program EenVandaag He said he was probably cycling at 14 miles per hour. “But how will I know?” he said. “I have a normal bike.”

One woman told the program: “This is all about cyclists using motorized bikes, so I think you will do something for motorized cyclists. Make a rule for them, not all cyclists.”

The speed limit trial is just one of a series of measures taken against increasing traffic accidents. Amsterdam and Enschede ban fat bikes with wide tires from some central locations or parks. The anger of many cycling advocates – The government plans to require helmets in electric vehicles for those under the age of 18.

Marcel Aries, from the Safe Cycling Doctors group, said attitudes and the environment needed to change. “Safer cycling requires a package of measures that includes a minimum age of 16 for e-bike riders, e-bike registration and licensing, better infrastructure and increased use of bicycle helmets,” he said.

But Anke Huss, associate professor at Utrecht University, added that any cycling was better than nothing. air pollution and accident risk. “The public health case should focus on this: getting people to cycle and keeping cycling safe for everyone.”