Amsterdam extends beer bike ban after complaints

Amsterdam is extending its ban on beer bikes in the center of the city to also include the eastern part of the city center, mayor Femke Halsema wrote in a letter to the city council. There have been many beer bike related complaints from Amsterdam Oost, which have been confirmed by enforcement officers, Het Parool reports.

Complaints involved things like public urination, blocking the bike path and public intoxication. The beer bike ban, which was implemented in November 2017, will therefore be extended to include Kattenburg, Oostenburg, the Czaar Peterbuurt, Cruquiuseiland, Borneo island and Zeeburg. This will take effect on July 1st.

Many beer bike related complaints were also received from Amsterdam West. But as these complaints haven't been confirmed by enforcement officers, the ban will not be extended to the western area. 

The number of complaints about beer bikes in Amsterdam increased from 79 in 2016 to 181 in 2017 and 284 last year, according to the newspaper.