Zoetermeer plans bike ban in shopping areas to combat nuisance

The Zoetermeer city council is set to consider an action plan that includes banning bicycles in shopping areas during opening hours, stricter enforcement of traffic rules, and the deployment of four additional special enforcement officers (boa’s) to address cycling-related nuisance.

The plan applies to all cyclists, not only fatbike riders, due to the lack of a legal distinction between fatbikes and standard electric bicycles.

“Over the past years, we’ve noticed a clear rise in cycling complaints in public areas,” said a municipal spokesperson. “Our proposed measures aim to ensure safety and reduce overloading of pedestrian zones.”

Similar moves are underway elsewhere. Amsterdam’s municipal leaders are exploring a ban on fatbikes in the city’s busiest areas, using local regulations if possible. Traffic alderman Melanie van der Horst said the initiative responds to persistent safety concerns.

Other municipalities, including Enschede and Hoogeveen, have already approved measures to ban fatbikes from their inner cities during the summer months.