Amsterdam’s trial on fast cyclists on roadway yields positive results

Source: Fietsberaad

The Municipality of Amsterdam has released the findings of a three-month trial aimed at evaluating the impact of moving fast cyclists from cycle paths to roadways.

Conducted between April 18 and July 19, 2024, the test measured cyclist behavior and motorist responses, with results indicating increased roadway usage by fast cyclists and generally positive feedback from participants.

Trial objectives and execution

The trial was conducted along a 500-meter stretch of Eerste Constantijn Huygensstraat and Bilderdijkstraat, where narrow cycle paths had been causing congestion and safety concerns due to varying cyclist speeds. The recommended speed on the cycle path was set at 20 km/h, while those wishing to exceed this limit were encouraged to use the adjacent roadway, which had a speed limit of 30 km/h for all vehicles, including cyclists.

By encouraging fast cyclists to move onto the roadway, the municipality sought to explore potential solutions for reducing speed differences and enhancing safety on the city’s congested bike paths.

Key findings

The trial resulted in a 25% increase in the proportion of speed-pedelec and e-bike cyclists using the roadway, rising from 12% before the trial to 15.1% by its conclusion. Midway through the experiment, the figure had already climbed to 14.4%, indicating a steady transition.

Data showed that not only speed-pedelec and e-bike riders but also traditional cyclists traveling at speeds of 22–28 km/h opted for the roadway. Although this shift slightly reduced cyclist density on the bike paths, no significant decrease in overall speeds or congestion was observed. Cyclist decisions to use the roadway were influenced by factors such as traffic density, desired travel speed, and road conditions.

Motorist and cyclist interactions

Observations throughout the trial revealed that motorists generally maintained adequate distance from cyclists and refrained from abrupt braking maneuvers. Overtaking by motorists was infrequent, and cyclists tended to return to the bike path when encountering traffic congestion or queues at traffic lights. The average speed on the roadway decreased marginally by 1 km/h during the test period.

Trial location and implementation

Amsterdam selected this route due to its narrow cycle paths, limited overtaking space, and the absence of bus and emergency vehicle traffic on the roadway. To demarcate the designated roadway cycling area, the municipality implemented blue markings and signage along both the bike path and roadway.

Future considerations and further testing

Although current Dutch law does not permit unrestricted cycling on roadways, Amsterdam conducted the trial using a temporary traffic measure. The municipality is now working with the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, along with other municipalities, to explore further trials and regulatory adjustments.

Upcoming tests in spring 2025 will focus on additional measures to improve cyclist safety, including speed reduction initiatives in Rembrandtpark, Vondelpark, and Westerpark. Other potential strategies under consideration include encouraging electric cargo bikes to use the roadway voluntarily and imposing restrictions on electric vehicle use in pedestrian zones where cycling is permitted.

Communication and public reception

The evaluation indicated strong support for continued testing, particularly among cyclists who reported increased comfort and safety. However, only 26% of motorists viewed the trial favorably. Researchers recommend clearer communication strategies before future implementations to ensure broader public understanding and support.

The full evaluation report is available in Dutch via the Municipality of Amsterdam.