Over 36,000 children cycle daily on unsafe roads near Dutch primary schools

The Fietsersbond, a national cyclists’ advocacy organization, has found that the roads near 162 primary schools in the Netherlands are unsafe for children, as cars are allowed to drive 50 kilometers per hour and no separate bicycle paths are provided. The group is calling for the immediate introduction of 30 km/h zones around all schools.

According to the Fietsersbond, more than 36,000 children cycle every day on these high-speed roads to reach their schoolyards or entrances. “Introducing 30-kilometer roads around schools is a simple, proven measure that can help prevent accidents,” said policy adviser Ross Goorden.

Goorden warned that unsafe school environments also discourage parents from letting their children cycle independently. “They are more often driven to school by car, which makes the traffic around schools even busier,” he said. “This creates chaotic and unsafe traffic situations, leading us into a vicious circle.”

The study by the Fietsersbond indicated that 90 of the 162 schools have a designated “school zone,” meant to alert drivers to children playing or walking in the area. However, in practice, these zones allegedly often only recommend reduced speed rather than enforce it. “In most of these streets, drivers are still legally allowed to go 50,” the organization said.

The concentration of schools labeled as unsafe is highest in Rotterdam, with 10 schools located on such roads, followed by Almelo with 7 and Dordrecht with 6. Zuid-Holland has the highest number of unsafe roads overall, with 28 such locations identified.

In contrast, the provinces of Drenthe, Flevoland, Friesland, Gelderland, and Groningen have no primary schools situated directly along 50 km/h roads.