Amsterdam to ban mopeds on bike paths from April

Moped riders will be banned from bike paths in Amsterdam starting on April 8th next year, the municipality announced. With the move to the public roads, moped riders will also be obliged to where a helmet. Failing to wear a helmet, or riding on a bicycle path, will result in a 95 euro fine, the municipality said.

Amsterdam's bicycle paths are increasingly crowded. And the number of mopeds in the city increased dramatically over the past years, from 8 thousand in 2007 to some 35 thousand this year. "The crowds create dangerous situations for cyclists and moped riders. After cyclists, moped riders are the largest group among serious road injuries", the Amsterdam municipality said. In an effort to increase safety for both cyclists and moped riders, the municipality decided to move mopeds to the public roads.

The new traffic situation takes effect on April 8th. In order to ensure a smooth transition for all road users, the municipality will place clear road signs to show moped riders exactly where they're allowed to drive. Moped riders in and around Amsterdam will be informed by letter. In the spring the municipality will also launch an information campaign. And traffic controllers will be deployed to inform and help moped riders.

Immediately after moped riders are banned from bike paths, the municipality will start an extensive monitoring and evaluation study. This will include monitoring crowds, speed, nuisance, reactions from other road users, the safety of moped riders, and the interaction between road users.