Amsterdam’s city council is set to enact a ban on fatbikes in designated busy areas, following a reversal by the PvdA and GroenLinks parties who initially expressed reservations. The decision, reported by NOS on Thursday, comes after weeks of debate over the increasing presence and perceived dangers of the larger-wheeled electric bicycles.
The initial proposal stemmed from concerns raised by D66, a coalition partner, regarding safety and congestion in popular public spaces. Opposition parties VVD, CDA, Volt, and JA21 had already signaled their support for the measure, according to NH Nieuws. The ban will be implemented through amendments to the city’s Algemene Plaatselijke Verordening (APV), with a vote scheduled later this week expected to be a formality given the now-substantial majority.
The city council has defined a fatbike as any bicycle with tires exceeding 7 centimeters in width. The shift in position by PvdA and GroenLinks followed earlier objections. GroenLinks had voiced concerns about potential stigmatization, while the PvdA questioned the legal basis for restricting bicycles based solely on tire size. Despite these initial hesitations, both parties ultimately agreed to support the ban, though GroenLinks council member Elisabeth IJmker emphasized that the decision only establishes the authority to implement the ban, not specific locations or timing.
Wethouder Melanie van der Horst (D66) expressed satisfaction with the broadened support and indicated that further discussions will focus on identifying the “busy areas” subject to the ban. She also plans to incorporate a proposal from GroenLinks allowing fatbike riders to walk their vehicles through certain restricted zones.
The move follows a similar ban implemented in Enschede last summer, making it the first Dutch municipality to restrict fatbikes in its city center.
The debate in Amsterdam has expanded to consider restrictions on all e-bikes, including electric bakfietsen (cargo bikes), as reported by Headliner.nl. During a recent city council meeting, PvdA council member Farley Asruf proposed a motion to ban all e-bikes in busy recreational areas, a step that sparked further discussion and disagreement among coalition partners.
Meanwhile, Amsterdam continues to be a hub for fatbike sales and culture. CLUB 204, a dedicated fatbike retailer in the city, offers a range of models from brands like PHATFOUR, BREKR, and STOER Bikes, according to its website. Fatbikeskopen.nl also advertises a selection of bakfietsen, including electric models, with promotional offers and financing options.
