What are the new insights into spatial conflicts on bike paths in the Netherlands?

“First of all, you have to let go off the negative perception to make sure you don’t miss the huge elephant in the room: cars. While bike paths are getting increasingly crowded and spatial conflicts are growing more and more intense, cars still dominate the public space, such as roads and parking lots.

Secondly, we have to realize that the problem goes beyond the sharing of space by different modes of transport; we urgently need to switch from car use to sustainable options. E-bikes, electric cargo bikes, mopeds, and even fatbikes present feasible alternatives. We therefore believe that less car use and more micromobility, electric or not, are essential for real progress in sustainable urban transport.”

How do moped users behave?

“It’s not always justified to think that moped users pay less attention or don’t follow traffic rules. That perception is partly caused by stereotypes. A small group that misbehaves damages the reputation of the rest. This may also apply to fatbikers, but they only started hitting the streets in bulk after we had already gathered our data.

Especially young owners of gas-fueled mopeds were often negatively labeled in our research. They use them not only for transport, but also for social contacts, in which case they adopt a more reckless driving style. Users of e-mopeds, on the other hand, are generally seen as more respectful towards other road users and traffic rules.

We distinguished between rental and privately owned mopeds. This translates into a difference in familiarity with the area and the parking options available there, and a different sense of responsibility for the vehicle.”

What are the problems seen by bike path users themselves?

“Traditional self-powered bikers, which are seen as slow bikers, have raised concerns in three areas: the ignoring of rules, exhaust fumes, and speed differences. For example, some moped users are on their phones while riding or display other risky behavior. Fuel-powered mopeds cause extra pollution and health risks for bikers.

Incidentally, speed differences and risky behavior are also perceived as problematic by motorized bike traffic. What was striking in our research is that some moped users expressed the same frustrations about other moped users.”

Is there a solution for the increasing crowdedness of the bike paths?

“The most important problem isn’t the behavior of moped – or fatbike – users, but the limited space for types of micromobility, while the dominance of cars remains unchallenged. Discussions about spatial conflicts on bike paths distract attention from the ‘bigger’ problem: cars dominating the public space. In the Netherlands, 50 percent of urban space is allocated to cars, which is a problem as we need to reduce car use.

Electric mopeds, cargo bikes, bikes, and other small electric vehicles could replace cars for short urban journeys. To this end, we propose creating safer streets and making car use in cities less comfortable. Lowering the speed limit to 30 kilometers per hour, which has been done in Amsterdam and elsewhere, improves traffic safety and increases the number of bike journeys. And we also think fast bikers would be better off on the road instead of the bike lane.

All of this would significantly reduce conflicts on the bike path.”

How realistic are these recommendations? Are you in touch with municipal governments about it?

“Our proposals focus on allocating and regulating space for different modes of transport rather than on redesigning the entire urban lay-out. It’s possible to make car use less comfortable by increasing parking fees and municipalities can improve their public transport.

While a completely car-free city may not be realistic, it would be a step forward to limit cars in densely populated city centers to essential routes. In several cities, mopeds are sometimes already guided onto roads next to the bike path.

Working together with municipalities is an important next step in our ongoing research.”

Clara Glachant hopes to complete her PhD in September 2025.