The Netherlands has begun a two-week trial of a 12mph (20km/h) speed limit for cyclists in Houten, near Utrecht, as road deaths increase and e-bikes become more common. The government aims to assess whether cyclists will comply with the limit and whether they can accurately judge their speed.
Last year, an estimated 80,900 cyclists attended A&E after accidents, and cyclist deaths rose by 14% to 281. Houten's transport chief, Wouter van den Berg, cited the growing diversity of vehicles on bike paths, including speed pedelecs, fat bikes, and golf carts, as a key concern.
Cameras have been installed on Fossa Iberica, a 130-metre road with a low-visibility crossroads used by 3,000 people daily in one direction and 1,000 in the other. Speed limit signs were erected on Monday, and results will be measured next week.
JanPeter Westein, 80, of the Fietsersbond Houten cycling association, welcomed the trial, noting that many primary schools are located on bike paths. However, some cyclists expressed scepticism, with one man telling EenVandaag he typically cycles at 14mph but cannot accurately gauge his speed on a normal bike. A woman suggested that restrictions should target motorised cyclists only.
The trial is part of broader safety measures, including bans on fat bikes in Amsterdam and Enschede, and plans to mandate helmets for under-18s on electric vehicles. Marcel Aries of Doctors for Safe Cycling called for a package of measures, including a minimum age of 16 for e-bike riders and registration. Anke Huss of Utrecht University emphasised that any cycling is beneficial, provided it remains safe.
