Tag Archive: the netherlands

  1. New studies reveal growing impact of e-bikes in the Netherlands

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    Sources: Nieuwsfiets, Fietsberaad

    Two recent Dutch studies (one examining everyday mobility and another exploring recreational cycling) show that e-bikes are playing an increasingly significant role in both transport and leisure. While research from Delft University of Technology indicates that e-bikes are not responsible for declining physical activity among young people, a new National Knowledge Report on Recreational Cycling 2025 confirms that electric bicycles now dominate recreational riding across the country.

    Firstly, a detailed analysis of data from the national “Onderweg in Nederland” survey (2018–2023) shows that total daily active minutes among Dutch residents increased modestly from 29.9 to 32.5 minutes. This rise is largely due to more walking and increased e-bike use, with traditional bicycle use showing a decline. Meanwhile it found that young people, especially those aged 15–17, are exercising less. According to researchers Maarten Kroesen and Milan Moleman of Delft University of Technology, this decline stems not from e-bike adoption but from a broader reduction in active transport. Many young people simply travel less by bicycle or on foot and more often as passengers in cars.

    Notably, the analysis revealed that young e-bike riders recorded more active minutes than regular cyclists with the following information:

    • Young e-cyclists average 52.3 active minutes per day, exceeding the 49.3 minutes among regular cyclists.
    • They travel roughly four kilometres more per day than peers on traditional bikes.
    • 78% meet the recommended exercise standard, compared with 71% of regular cyclists.

    The researchers concluded that e-bikes may actually provide an opportunity to encourage physical activity among youth who currently do not travel actively at all.

    E-bikes account for majority of recreational cycling

    The National Knowledge Report on Recreational Cycling 2025, released by the Dutch Cycling Platform (Fietsplatform), shows that cycling remains one of the country’s most popular leisure activities. Seventy percent of residents aged 16 and above participate in recreational cycling, and e-bikes now represent the largest share of this market.

    Key findings include:

    • 44% of recreational cyclists primarily use an e-bike, compared with 39% on traditional bicycles.
    • Dutch residents make an estimated 523 million recreational cycling trips per year, averaging 50 trips per cyclist.
    • The average recreational ride covers 23 kilometres, with 87% starting from home.
    • Cycling holidays remain popular, with 3.4 million cycling holidays and 1.4 million single-day cycling excursions taken in 2025.

    The report also shows that nearly one-third of Dutch residents have increased their cycling activity in recent years. Their motivations include relaxation, health, outdoor enjoyment, and connection with nature and local landscapes. However, cyclists also expressed the need for safer and more comfortable cycle paths, improved management of mixed-traffic environments, and more accessible rest areas.

  2. Dutch government launches cycle path safety projects

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    Source: Nieuws Fietsberaad

    The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment has commissioned four pilot projects aimed at improving cycle path safety.

    These projects, which target the growing challenges posed by light electric vehicles (LEVs) on bike paths, will explore strategies to mitigate speed and mass differences that compromise cyclist safety. An informational session for road authorities interested in the pilot projects will be held on December 3 in the city of Utrecht, in the Netherlands.

    As the popularity of LEVs like e-bikes, electric cargo bikes, and other small electric vehicles rises, so does the disparity in speed and weight on shared cycle paths. This growing variance, according to the ministry, puts additional pressure on traffic safety. In response, the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment seeks to understand the potential benefits of rerouting certain LEVs to roadways, regulating bike path speeds, and reducing risk factors for cyclists.

    Pilot project overview

    Consultancy firm DTV is developing four specific pilot proposals under this initiative:

    Roadway Relocation for Electric Cargo Bikes: This pilot examines moving electric cargo bikes used for freight transport from cycle paths to roadways, aiming to reduce congestion and speed variations on bike paths.

    Setting Maximum Bike Path Speeds: By establishing a maximum speed limit on bike paths, this pilot aims to create a safer and more uniform flow of traffic among cyclists and LEVs.

    Ban on LEVs in Pedestrian-Cyclist Shared Spaces: This pilot would prohibit LEVs in designated pedestrian areas where cycling is also permitted, addressing potential safety conflicts between pedestrians and faster, heavier vehicles.

    Advisory Speed Limits Using Matrix Signs: The final pilot involves installing matrix signs to display recommended speeds on cycle paths. The signs would offer real-time guidance to cyclists and LEV users, promoting safer and more consistent speeds.

    These proposals are intended to identify feasible solutions that could inform future policy on LEV regulation in shared spaces.

    Road authority meeting due to take place

    Road authorities are invited to Utrecht on December 3, to discuss and provide input on the pilot projects’ initial designs. This event offers an opportunity for stakeholders to learn about each proposal and discuss potential implementation. The day’s program will include dedicated sessions for each pilot project.

    The Dutch government’s latest commitment to improving green mobility

    This initiative is the latest scheme that signifies the government’s commitment to adapting urban infrastructure for safer, more efficient travel, addressing the evolving demands of cycling and electric mobility in the Netherlands.