Green Light for the Redesign of Pletterijkade: Safe and Green Cycling and Walking Route on the Way
On January 23, 2025, the municipal council of The Hague approved the proposal for the redesign of Pletterijkade. This ensures that the plans to transform Pletterijkade into a safe, green cycling and walking street will proceed. The Pletterijkade will become a Star Cycling Route, an important link between The Hagues center and surrounding areas like Binckhorst and Laak.
Future-Proof Design
Alderman Arjen Kapteijns (Mobility) emphasizes: “With the redesign, Pletterijkade will become safer for traffic, create an attractive cycling entrance to the city, and give space to the water and greenery along the quay. At the same time, the street will remain accessible for cars from both sides.”
Safe and Green Cycling and Walking Route on Pletterijkade
The redesign of Pletterijkade aligns with ongoing work on the sewer and quay wall. Once these are completed, the street will be designed as a 30 km/h street. The new layout will offer cyclists and pedestrians more space, ensuring safe and comfortable passage while allowing pedestrians and residents to enjoy a green quay with wider sidewalks, additional trees, and seating areas by the water. This work will coincide with the current replacement of the quay wall. The plan is expected to be implemented by early 2026.
During the council meeting on January 23, the alderman also indicated that, at the request of the council, the executive will look into how to make space on Pletterijkade for a reference to the history of this location. “We want to explore how we can realize a fitting reference to the past of this special location and enhance the cultural-historical decoration of Pletterijkade. This offers opportunities not only to create a safe and green street but also to give a place to The Hagues heritage,” said Kapteijns.
What Changes for Cyclists and Pedestrians?
The redesign will turn Pletterijkade into a cycling street where cyclists can safely overtake each other and ride side by side. Cars are still welcome but must adapt to the speed limit of 30 km/h. Furthermore, the amount of car traffic will be reduced as the left turn from Rijswijkseweg to Pletterijkade will be closed. Emergency and service vehicles will still have access to the street. A new cycling crossing will be established in both directions at Rijswijkplein, now also towards Binckhorst, which further improves the flow for cyclists.
During the consultation round, residents provided valuable input. The main adjustment is the addition of a two-way bike path at Rijswijkplein between Scheepmakersstraat and Van Maanenkade. The request to plant different types of trees along the houses will also be included in the final design.
With the expected doubling of cyclists on this route – to 10,000 per day by 2030 – and the growth of surrounding neighborhoods like Binckhorst, The Hague is preparing for a sustainable and accessible future. “This redesign is an investment in a safer and more sustainable The Hague, where cycling and walking will become increasingly attractive,” said Alderman Kapteijns.