Dutch trial of 12mph bike lane speed limit faces cyclist skepticism
8 reported
The Netherlands has launched a two-week trial in Houten to test a 12mph (20km/h) speed limit on a bike lane, as the government considers measures to address rising cyclist deaths and injuries. The trial, which began with speed limit signs installed on Monday, follows a year in which an estimated 80,900 cyclists ended up in A&E departments and cyclist deaths rose 14% to 281. Cameras were installed last week to measure normal traffic on a 130-metre road with a low-visibility crossroads where 3,000 people travel daily in one direction and 1,000 in the other. Local transport chief Wouter van den Berg said the pilot was prompted by an increasing variety of road users on bike paths, including speed pedelecs, fat bikes, racers, and golf carts. Some cyclists expressed reluctance, with one man telling a current affairs program he likely cycles at about 14mph but does not know his exact speed, and a woman arguing that restrictions should target motorized cyclists rather than all cyclists. The trial is part of broader measures, including bans on wide-tyre fat bikes in some locations and a planned helmet requirement for under-18s on electric vehicles.
What’s reported
The Netherlands is considering a 12mph (20km/h) cycling speed limit.
A two-week trial is underway in Houten, near Utrecht.
Last year, an estimated 80,900 cyclists went to A&E after accidents, and cyclist deaths rose 14% to 281.
Cameras were installed last week on a 130-metre road with a low-visibility crossroads where 3,000 people travel daily in one direction and 1,000 in the other.
Speed limit signs were installed on Monday; results will be measured next week.
Bikes are used for 27% of all journeys in the Netherlands.
Amsterdam and Enschede are banning wide-tyre fat bikes from some central locations or parks.
The government plans to introduce helmets for under-18s on electric vehicles.
Key figures
Wouter van den Berg, Houten’s transport chief
JanPeter Westein, 80, of the cycling association Fietsersbond Houten
Marcel Aries, of the Doctors for Safe Cycling group
Anke Huss, associate professor at Utrecht University
Sources: The Guardian
