More space for cyclists and pedestrians on Van Woustraat

With through traffic removed, wider cycle lanes, more space for pedestrians and a new tram stop, the northern part of Van Woustraat has been thoroughly renovated. Before, Van Woustraat was one of most stressful streets for cyclists in Amsterdam. 

Motorists are no longer allowed on the last part of Van Woustraat towards Stadhouderskade. A so-called ‘filter’, in Dutch known as a ‘knip’ (cut), was made there: trams and bicycles are allowed to go straight on, cars are not. On top of that, the car parking spaces in the street have been removed. All this creates more space for cyclists and pedestrians. The bicycle lanes are now 2 metres wide, the pavements 4 metres wide. The street got a new tram stop right at Albert Cuypstraat and its popular market.

Safer

The main purpose was to create a safer street, says Hans Groot, neighbourhood manager with the municipality of Amsterdam. ‘There was far too little space for cyclists on the very narrow cycle lanes.’ In addition, there were of course other interests to take into account, such as those of shop owners. Groot: ‘The street needed to remain accessible, so we created loading and unloading areas.’ Cars that need to be there can come, but it is no longer a through route for cars. All of this combined means a major improvement for cyclists and pedestrians.

Puzzle

This result took some doing. For about ten years there has been talk about adjustments. In 2015, city council adopted a motion to make the street car-quiet and to introduce a filter (knip) for car traffic. How to achieve this was quite a puzzle, says Groot. ‘We couldn’t make a physical filter, because the tram needs to pass. We couldn’t install speed bumps, because of the tram tracks, or move the pavement.

Preventing through traffic

The ban on through traffic was initially enforced only with signs. But even a few months after the opening of the renovated street, not all motorists (and their navigation devices) had realized this. Traffic controllers needed to be present regularly.  In August, bollards have been placed on the section where cars are not allowed to pass. That is a trial for a year. It seems to work reasonably well.

In addition to the ‘filter’ on Van Woustraat, through traffic on adjacent Hemonylaan is made impossible as well. Groot: ‘These measures fit into the larger plan to give the entire northern part of the neighbourhood (de Pijp) a car-quiet design. Through traffic should use the main car routes, Hobbemakade and Amsteldijk.’