More and more Amsterdammers feel unsafe in traffic. The footpaths and cycle paths are becoming increasingly crowded. Especially the elderly, children, and people with disabilities often walk or cycle through the city. We want all Amsterdammers, including them, to be able to move around the city safely, healthily, and relaxed.
The Implementation Plan Amsterdam Makes Room for Safe Walking and Cycling outlines the measures we are working on in 2025 to improve traffic safety. The measures are divided into four themes. In brief:
Improving Traffic Safety
The number of serious traffic injuries increased slightly in 2023 compared to 2022. There were particularly more young cyclists among the victims. More of them were riding e-bikes or fatbikes than before.
This is what we are going to do:
- We will make the road network safer at several locations, for example by adjusting the road markings or creating a tram lane barrier between the car lane and tram lane.
- We will continue researching accidents with serious or fatal outcomes and take measures if necessary.
- We will address 15 high-risk locations and several blind spot areas.
- We will make school environments safer, for example by creating school streets.
Safe and Inviting for Pedestrians
Pedestrians must be able to move comfortably and safely through the city. Whether they are in a wheelchair or mobility scooter, bringing a walker or stroller, or carrying shopping bags. Sufficient space is needed for that, especially in busy places, narrow sidewalks, and where obstacles are present.
Possible solutions include:
- Resolving pedestrian bottlenecks.
- Creating space for pedestrians on the sidewalk.
- Making public spaces more accessible for pedestrians.
- Making 10 pedestrian crossings safer.
Safe and Inviting for Cyclists
Amsterdam has an extensive cycling network that is widely used. This sometimes creates unsafe situations. Therefore, we are taking measures aimed at:
- Resolving cycling bottlenecks.
- Creating space for cyclists.
- Speed differences on the cycle path.
- Bicycle parking outside and in bike parking facilities, such as at public transport locations.
Conscious Behavior
Walking, cycling, and using public transport are good for the environment. Therefore, we encourage this. But safe and social behavior in traffic is also important to us. We address unsafe behavior and ensure that everyone can easily and safely use the city. We do this through information, communication, and enforcement. In this way, we work together for safer traffic and greater awareness among everyone on the road.
Implementation Plan
The Implementation Plan 2025 has been developed with the help of the area teams from the districts, traffic designers, and the Amsterdam Transport Region. The Pedestrians Association, Clients Interest, and the Cyclists Union also provided input.