Amsterdam banning fat bikes in Vondelpark from May 11

The Vondelpark will become the first area in Amsterdam where riding a fatbike is no longer permitted. The ban takes effect on May 11. Fatbike riders will be given two weeks to adjust to the new rules, after which violators will be fined, the municipality reported.

The ban applies to all fatbikes with pedal assistance and tires wider than 7 centimeters. Signs announcing the ban will be placed at the park entrances. Alternative routes will also be indicated. Riders can cycle around the park or dismount and push their fatbike through the park.

Amsterdam chose the Vondelpark as the first location for the ban because the park is busy, and the city and police have received many reports of fatbike-related problems there. Accidents have also occurred, and there are regular reports of collisions or near-misses, meaning that the park is no longer experienced as a pleasant environment, the municipality said.

“The Vondelpark is one of the busiest parks in the city. There are children playing, walkers, runners, people exercising, picnicking, or walking their dogs. There is no place for fast, heavy fatbikes there. Many Amsterdammers have been asking for measures against the nuisance caused by fatbikes for years,” said traffic alderman Melanie van der Horst.

The proposed fine for violating the fatbike ban is €115 for people aged 16 and older and €57.50 for teenagers aged 12 to 15. Children under 12 cannot yet be fined. If they violate the fatbike ban, the city will have a meeting with their parents or guardians. The municipality expects the city council to adopt the fines early in May.

Once the ban has taken effect, the municipality will investigate its impact and then decide whether to also ban fatbikes in other locations in the city.

The city is implementing the ban through an amendment to the General Local Ordinance. A majority of the city council voted in favor of this in February.