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Amsterdam, world famous for its canals and cycling culture, has made a significant change impacting how people get around. As of December 8, a long-anticipated 30 km/h speed limit has been implemented on 80% of the cities roads. Largely targeted at cars, this change also impacts the max speeds of scooters, electric bikes, buses, and taxis. The move is aimed at making Amsterdam's roads and bike paths safer.
Amsterdam drivers slowing down is set to speed us up.
While the new speed limit is here, we still have yet to see exactly how this change will influence the day-to-day lives of Amsterdammers and those who visit the city. Other major cities around Europe, including Zürich, Brussels, and Helsinki, introduced lower limits before Amsterdam made the change. Results have reportedly been overwhelmingly positive.
What is unique is that Amsterdam, as a recent adopter of the lower limit, does so at a time when use of electric vehicles is at an all-time high. When Helsinki first reduced speeds in 2004, cars were still the primary mode of transportation and e-bikes were in their infancy. Compare this to the Netherlands in 2022: 57% of bikes sold were e-bikes.
All this then raises the question: given there is a readily available and mature alternative to cars, will we see an even more dramatic reduction in traffic than policy makers expect?
We think so, and here's why
No need for speed
Cars aren't going anywhere, especially for people who lack a viable alternative. But for those who could make the same trip on two wheels, the switch to an e-bike or other electric vehicle becomes much more attractive. With the speed limit dropping from 50 to 30km/h (most e-bikes top out at 25 km/h), a vehicle's speed will have less of an influence on how some people decide to get around.
Localization of logistics
Logistics networks play a larger role than ever in our day-to-day lives. Delivering everything from mail to pizza, we rely on these complex systems to get us what we need (or want) at all hours of the day. We expect to see these networks become increasingly localized, while downsizing & electrifying the fleets they use. It's also why we see our charging lockers playing an even larger role in the city in months to come, as battery charging becomes more important.
Price of e-bike vs. a car
While e-bikes aren't cheap, often running up to 2,000-4,000€ or beyond, they are dramatically cheaper than purchasing, funding and maintaining a car, van or truck. When coupled with the fact that automobile ownership is becoming less attractive or beneficial, price becomes a primary factor for many people or companies to make the switch to two wheels.
Futher policy changes are coming
The Dutch capital plans to ban gas cars and motorcycles from 2030. While this is still 6 years away, businesses especially will take a longer term view as they manager their fleets. Electrification and downsizing is already happening, and a policy shift away from gas will further accelerate this trend.
The City of Amsterdam has done a great job of highlighting the expected benefits and rational behind the speed limit change. You can find out more here, or explore the map of all impacted streets.