The Fietsersbond is very pleased with the broad support in the Lower House for the Kröger / Stoffer motion, which sets 30 kilometers per hour as the standard for the maximum speed in built-up areas. Director Esther van Garderen calls it “a great day for all cyclists and pedestrians in the Netherlands”. Now that the House of Representatives is behind 30 as the standard, the minister must indicate how she will implement this plan. The Fietsersbond has been campaigning for a lower maximum speed for several years under the title '30 is the new 50 '.

According to Esther van Garderen, the new standard is a good idea for everyone. “If you, as a cyclist or pedestrian, have an accident, the chance that you can retell it unharmed at 50 km / h is 3,5 times lower than at 30 km / h. In addition, it is simply nicer to live and live in a 30-kilometer area; less noise and particulate matter and the street becomes more of the inhabitants. Of course, municipalities could also reduce the speed earlier, but this often happened only partially. The fact that 30 is now becoming the norm brings much more peace of mind to traffic. ”

Interior nursery

The Fietsersbond warns that the new speed standard is not just a matter of putting up other signs. Van Garderen: “Municipalities really need to look carefully at the layout of streets where you are allowed 30. If a street still has the look of a 50-way road, people will continue to be tempted to drive faster. A new standard also requires a new way of looking at space. ” Our next ambition will be to achieve at European level that Intelligent Speed ​​Adaptation is introduced in cars and motorcycles.

The Fietsersbond is counting on the minister to work quickly on the motion. There is already so much research showing that 30 kilometers per hour saves lives and prevents people from being seriously injured in hospital. It is high time to get started! ” said Esther van Garderen in a message on them website.

Also read: Most cycle paths in the Netherlands are well lit.