Noord-Holland launches online tool to report unsafe areas after teen biker's murder

The province of Noord-Holland has launched an online reporting tool to gain insight into which areas are considered unsafe. Residents can use a map on the provincial website to indicate provincial roads, bike paths, or bus stops where they feel insecure.

The Provincial Council requested this mapping last autumn, after the murder of 17-year-old Lisa. Several provinces and municipalities have stepped up investments in safety measures after Lisa was brutally murdered in Duivendrecht while cycling home at night.

“Everyone should be able to travel safely, day and night,” says Jeroen Olthof of the PvdA, who is also a member of the Provincial Executive. “It is unacceptable that many women and girls do not feel this way. As caretakers of bike paths, bus stops, and other public areas, we have a responsibility to act. Broken lighting or poorly visible areas must be fixed without delay.”

People in Noord-Holland can report unsafe situations by phone, email, or now through an online portal. Olthof explains that the province has already implemented minor improvements along bike paths and at bus stops to enhance women’s sense of security, such as checking lighting, clearing vegetation, and improving visibility.

In collaboration with women and safety experts, Noord-Holland is initiating a follow-up study to find solutions for more complicated safety issues. “Ensuring social safety often involves more than quick fixes,” Olthof explains.

“What actually makes a location safer? This in-depth research will help us make long-term, better-informed choices for routes and areas that people consider unsafe.”