Should there be a speed limit on cycle paths? † Join the conversation

Too busy

Safe Traffic Netherlands thinks so. “This measure provides lighting on the bicycle path, we encourage this in the discussions we have about this with national authorities,” RTL Nieuws is quoted as saying. The increasing number of vehicles on the cycle path would make it too busy. Think of the e-bikes and fat bikes, and the meal deliverers who have to deliver the food to the customer quickly. And don’t forget cyclists, who race along the paths at a rapid pace. The ANWB tells RTL Nieuws: “There are more and more fast cyclists and the difference with vulnerable cyclists is therefore increasing.”

Lane speed limit

To make the cycle paths quieter, the maximum speed on the carriageway for motorists could be lowered to 30 km per hour. As a result, faster vehicles that travel on the cycle path, such as the e-bike, could move onto the roadway, offering more space on the cycle paths. For example, Veilig Verkeer Nederland says: “It absolutely has to be combined with a reduction in speed on the roadway, otherwise a speed difference will remain between cars and e-bikes.”

Dangerous

But if the speed limit on the motorway is not reduced, it could actually be more dangerous if e-bikes drive on the road. The problem is then shifted to the roadway, instead of solving it on the bike path. It could also be difficult to maintain the speed. Ordinary bicycles do not have a speedometer.

Difference

It is not yet clear what the maximum speed on the bicycle path will be. Will all vehicles have the same limit and should the limit of the e-bike be less than 25 km per hour? Or will there be different limits? 25 km per hour is already a lot faster than the average cyclist. For example, you could limit wider (cargo) bikes to 15 km/h because they take up more space and are less manoeuvrable.

Useful

In addition, a speed limit on the bicycle path could possibly lead to an increase in the use of cars. The e-bike is useful for people who live between 10 to 20 km from their school or work, because it allows them to cover longer distances faster, reports the Fietsersbond. But if there is a limit of less than 25 km per hour for e-bikes, people may be more likely to use the car again. What do you think?

Comments

Benanka believes that scooters should be removed from the bicycle path.

This twitterer previously said in a tweet that cyclists are also part of the problem, because they can go faster than e-bikes.

Joyce thinks drivers will be affected by other vehicles in the roadway.

Kelly thinks there are too many vehicles on the bike path.

Join the conversation

Do you think there should be a speed limit on bicycle paths? Or do you think there should be another solution for the too busy cycle paths? Join the conversation on our Facebook-page!

–