Amsterdam shut down one of its primary roads to cars and here’s why

In a forward-thinking move that underscores its reputation as one of the world’s premier bicycling cities, Amsterdam launched a groundbreaking initiative recently when it completely closed down one of its main roads, Weesperstraat, to vehicles and created a number of activations for people to enjoy including parks.

The purpose of the six-week project is to try to understand what happens in terms of driver/vehicle behavior, but also how the move impacts air quality and noise pollution.

“We want to make the area quieter and greener. An exploratory study shows that this is possible,” reads a statement about the project on the city of Amsterdam website. “This will create more space for residents, pedestrians, cyclists, greenery and homes. The area remains easily accessible when it is car-free. Especially for residents who depend on the car and emergency services.”

Recently, the Dutch Cycling Embassy spoke with Maatrtje de Nie, who works on the project for the municipality of Amsterdam. You know, the city that constructed a massive bicycle parking garage under water earlier this year.

Every day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., the municipality turns the corridor into a haven just for local motor traffic. They tactically employ traffic cones, flower boxes, and concrete barriers to achieve this metamorphosis. The purpose? To rigorously evaluate the repercussions of such a move on traffic congestion, the safety of roads, and the overall livability of the area. Adding a touch of urban charm, they’ve also carved out a “pocket park” in the median, adorned with seating areas and providing a stage for musical acts, spoken poetry, and engaging discussions.

Yet, the city also acknowledged the practicalities. When nighttime envelops the city and the roads are quieter, all barriers are lifted, letting motor traffic flow. Crucially, emergency vehicles and public transportation aren’t hindered and have the green light throughout the day.

“So the idea behind is if we don’t do anything, in the end, or in a few years, there will be a lot of traffic jams everywhere,” de Nie explained. “So actually, the research is conducted to see what can we do to make the city more livable.”

But Amsterdam isn’t just experimenting in a vacuum. They’re deeply invested in feedback, roping in a representative focus group of 3,000 locals and business proprietors to weigh in.

“Based off the (vehicle) licence plates (we will find out) what the cars will do when they cannot drive through Weesperstraat anymore. So we’ll see what different routes they will take, we want to see what the air quality will do, and also measuring the sound,” de Nie said. “A very important part of our research is the experience of people. So we have a panel of like 3000 people who were questioned beforehand, but also two times during the pilot during the six weeks and also afterwards, how they experience the situation.”

Once the six-week pilot winds up, the results will be synthesized, laid before the council, and a crucial decision—whether to cement this transformation—will be made.

The global urban community waits with bated breath. If successful, Amsterdam’s bold venture could pave the way for cities worldwide to carve out larger spaces for people and, yes, bicycles!

Lead photo via Dutch Cycling Embassy (Facebook).