How Utrecht’s Vredenburg become one of the busiest cycling routes in the world

Really, a video went viral showing the always impressive Vredenburg cycling path in the Dutch city of Utrecht.

Utrecht, a city known for its rich history and progressive approach to transportation, boasts the busiest cycling route in the Netherlands—the Vredenburg route. This iconic cycling path has witnessed significant transformation over the years, serving as a testament to Utrecht’s commitment to sustainable transport. But how did the Vredenburg cycling path get to where it is today, a rather impressive beacon of hope for people around the world hoping for a similar transformation in their cities.

Vredenburg is more than just a cycling path; it’s a bustling thoroughfare that connects the historical heart of Utrecht to the city’s central train station, which happens to be the busiest in the Netherlands. However, the Vredenburg Cycling Path is no ordinary route. It’s renowned for being the busiest cycleway in the Netherlands, with an astonishing daily average of 33,000 cyclists traveling in both directions. During peak hours, this number soars to a staggering 47,000 cyclists, forming a mesmerizing tapestry of pedaling commuters and enthusiasts.

In a bold move towards prioritizing sustainable transportation, Vredenburg was made off-limits to private cars in 1996. This decision followed successful experiments that had taken place since 1991, involving street closures to motor traffic on Saturdays. The transformation not only reduced congestion but also significantly improved the urban environment.

As the busiest cycle path in the Netherlands, Utrecht’s Vredenburg must be seen to be believed!

Private cars are not allowed.

📹Harri Vaarala pic.twitter.com/hVUsq4Fk39

— Dutch Cycling Embassy (@Cycling_Embassy) October 21, 2023

Vredenburg, a Turning Point in Cycling Culture

Utrecht’s dedication to cycling can be traced back to the 1970s when the Netherlands experienced a significant shift in transportation culture. The country witnessed a strong movement against the high number of child fatalities in road accidents involving motor vehicles. In some years, the toll exceeded 500 child deaths, sparking public outrage and demands for change. Maartje van Putten, later an MEP, led the Stop de Kindermoord (“Stop the Child Murder”) movement, which played a pivotal role in reshaping Dutch transportation policies.

Additional factors, such as the oil shortages of 1973-74 and the publication of the CROW Design Manual for Bicycle Traffic, further contributed to the government’s shift towards sustainable transport. This paradigm change led to the restriction of urban motor vehicle use and a greater emphasis on promoting cycling to make streets safer and cities more people-friendly and livable.

The Vredenburg Cycling Path is not just a route; it’s a symbol of Utrecht’s dedication to sustainable urban living and the promotion of cycling as a mode of transport. Its transformation from a bustling car-filled corridor to a bustling bicycle and pedestrian haven reflects the changing dynamics of transportation and urban planning in Utrecht and the Netherlands as a whole.

With its impressive cycling statistics and the harmonious coexistence of cyclists, pedestrians, and public transport, the Vredenburg Cycling Path is a shining example of what sustainable urban transportation can achieve. In a city that once lacked cycling infrastructure entirely, the Vredenburg Cycling Path stands as a testament to the transformative power of dedicated cycling infrastructure.

Looking to push for a Vrendenburg at home? Start by checking out this article on five policies to help your city go Dutch by Chris and Melissa Bruntlett.