How to handle the e-bike in Amsterdam
Amsterdam wants to improve road safety in the city. A number of measures have already been taken. For instance the construction of bicycle streets and the widening of bicycle lanes. Which is not enough, because traffic is changing rapidly. Due to the increase of electric vehicles, such as e-bikes, cargo bikes, fat bikes and electric scooters, new agreements and rules have to be made. The municipality of Amsterdam is taking action with talks, a test and research.
One of the most obvious measures to make traffic safer is to limit the maximum speed. A maximum speed has been set for each vehicle. For example, a moped and a motorized vehicle for the disabled are allowed a maximum of 45 kilometers per hour, a light moped or e-bike is allowed 25 kilometers per hour, and so on. These rules per vehicle are the same everywhere in the Netherlands.
Zones and road segments
You can also set a speed limit for all road users in certain zones or on certain road sections. A maximum speed of 30 kilometers per hour will be introduced in many places in the city by the end of this year. But according to current Dutch law, it is not possible to introduce a lower maximum speed on a cycle lane next to a road where you are allowed to drive 30. Although Amsterdam would like this, because it is safer. The City of Amsterdam is in consultation with the government to see if there is a way to make this lower maximum speed possible.
New rules
The City of Amsterdam is currently discussing the new rules for light electric vehicles with the government. The rules must ensure that electric vehicles are safe to use and can safely participate in traffic. In this way, manufacturers know which technical requirements their vehicles must meet, and it becomes clear what position the vehicles will have in traffic. Amsterdam is also looking for clear rules for souped-up e-bikes together with the government.
Trial
To be able to make good decisions, the City of Amsterdam wants to know as good as possible how all these fast bicycles affect road safety. That is why a trial with the Amsterdam-Amstelland ambulance service is starting this year. Together with the Amsterdam hospitals, the researchers will also study the first aid data for bicycle accidents.
Furthermore, , the types of bicycles on the road and their speed will be counted and measured on 9 locations in the city. In addition, the number of (near) accidents will be measured on these locations. Cameras have been placed on the street – according to current privacy rules – for this purpose starting 23 March.
