“We see that things are going well,” says traffic councilor Melanie van der Horst (D66), who came to take stock this morning. “I’m glad the ban has come into effect.” Fat bikers who want to enter the park are first stopped by so-called cycling coaches, who explain the new rules.
For example, you are still allowed to walk with the fat bike, but getting on and cycling is prohibited. Behind the cycling coaches there are also enforcers to stop cyclists. They will soon also be authorized to issue fines.
Measure with calipers
Ferry Vervuurt is captain of the enforcement officers in the Vondelpark and hands out the calipers to his colleagues to measure the tires. He emphasizes that the next two weeks are important to inform everyone. “The fines will only be issued after that.”
Regular walkers in the Vondelpark are happy with the ban. “It’s very good,” says a man who lives next to the park and has been walking around there every day for years. “Sometimes they drive so fast that you don’t even dare to walk with your walker.”
If the fat bike ban proves to be a success according to the city council, it may be expanded to other places in Amsterdam. It is not known exactly where this will happen.
