In Amsterdam the city council has started to favor pedestrians

Cycling is very popular in the Dutch capital. Amsterdam has even been a cycling model for other European cities for many years. Traffic is relatively safe and fast, cyclists in Amsterdam can move in special lanes or bike paths. However, the Dutch Cyclists' Association now claims that the city council has also started to favor pedestrians after the covid in the historic city center. The city is defending itself. The cyclist was once a lord in the historic city and could freely weave in the city center. But now, at least according to cyclists, changes are taking place. At best, cyclists in the heart of the city are now seen as guests, at worst as intruders who belong to the far lanes of the road, reports The Guardian. "Amsterdam is still a cycling paradise, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to move around the center by bike," comments Jan Pieter Nepveu, a spokesman for the Amsterdam branch of the local cycling union. "It starts with the proclamation of a pedestrian zone, and before a man of hope discourages him from cycling with curbs and then fences. The center is slowly becoming a pedestrian domain. The city council will now have to protect cyclists from an increase in the number of pedestrians, tourists and the catering industry, ”adds Jan Pieter Nepveu. He also drew attention to slowly increasing signs in a number of parks that encourage cyclists to share the route with pedestrians. Many Amsterdam cyclists consider it an insult. "Many cyclists take cycling seriously, it's a mode of transport, not fun. For pedestrians and cyclists, it is stress when they have to share their place, "adds Nepveu. The bike paths that used to run through the center have now changed markings and are now sidewalks where the cyclist is only a guest. Last week, a change in legislation sparked protests from about 50 people on bicycles, including Saar Muller, a 68-year-old doctor from Amsterdam. "This development seems to be part of the trends of recent years, when pedestrians are getting more and more space. It will turn out that cyclists will not be allowed anywhere, "the doctor fears. According to her, the coronavirus lockdown caused cyclists to drive through the empty city rather than travel somewhere. According to her, this caused the preference of pedestrians. However, a spokesman for the municipality strongly denies that the city would try to push cyclists out of the center. "The signs are used in places where cyclists and pedestrians have to share the limited space available or where the city wants to discourage people from using mopeds, such as in parks," he said. According to him, the city definitely does not plan to ban cyclists from entering these places. He also noted the early completion of the bike highway, a circle that will connect the entire city center. "Amsterdam is constantly looking for ways to make cycling in the city easier, faster and safer," the spokesman added. The number of bicycle parking spaces is also large and is constantly growing, according to him. Next month, a bicycle parking garage will open on Leidseplein, one of the city's large squares, which can hold up to 2,000 bicycles, ”the spokesman said. A garage with a capacity of up to 7,000 bikes is now being built at the main train station, concludes The Guardian.