Amsterdam is taking significant steps toward becoming a safer and more sustainable city, with a greater focus on pedestrian and cyclist safety. The 2024 traffic safety monitor provides an overview of measures implemented under the city’s road safety plan, including the introduction of 30 km/h zones and policies for pedestrians and cyclists.
30 km/h Becomes the Norm
Since December 2023, Amsterdam has lowered the speed limit to 30 km/h on more than 80% of its roads. This transition required the installation of over 4,500 new signs, the recalibration of 140 traffic lights, and the re-marking of more than 200 kilometers of road surface. Major arterial roads remain at 50 km/h.
Despite a growing population, car traffic has increased only slightly. Encouragingly, more than 60% of drivers now comply with the speed limit (staying below 35 km/h), and the number of extreme speeders (over 55 km/h) has dropped significantly, from 1% in 2023 to just 0.2% in 2024.
Municipal data confirms that lower speeds improve road safety and reduce noise, without causing significant delays on main routes. Amsterdam continues to monitor developments and is planning additional measures to enhance cyclist safety.
Fewer Accidents, Less Noise
The results so far are promising. In 2024, there were 823 traffic accidents involving motor vehicles—an 11% drop from 926 in 2023. Even on 50 km/h roads, accidents decreased, likely because many drivers slowed down out of caution or were unaware of the unchanged speed limits.
Notably, accidents involving trams and buses on 30 km/h roads dropped by 24%, from 58 in 2023 to 44 in 2024. Despite having separate speed limits—50 km/h for dedicated lanes and 30 km/h for general traffic—this mix has not led to increased crashes.
Traffic noise has also declined by an average of 1.5 decibels, improving quality of life in residential and busy urban areas.
Fewer Downsides Than Expected
Initial concerns about the negative impacts of 30 km/h zones have mainly proven unfounded. Bus travel times increased by just 40 seconds on average—less than the anticipated 55. For passengers, this means a delay of only 13 seconds on a 10-minute ride. Emergency response times for ambulances and fire services remained unchanged, and air quality has not worsened.
New Challenges: Cycling Safety
While car-related accidents decreased, the total number of traffic injuries rose slightly, mainly due to an increase in cyclist-on-cyclist collisions and solo bike accidents. Contributing factors include a 9% growth in cycling and the increasing popularity of e-bikes, which now account for 22% of all bikes in the city. Alarmingly, injuries among young cyclists (aged 12–17) rose by 25%.
To improve safety, Amsterdam implemented traffic measures at 83 locations in 2024, including high-risk ‘black spots,’ severe crash sites, and areas flagged by residents or businesses. Infrastructure around 21 schools was improved, with four new “school streets” where children can arrive and leave safely without car traffic.
Pilots and Innovations
The city also launched seven pilots to test innovative solutions. These include:
- Allowing fast cyclists to ride on the roadway (Pilot 30-20)
- Camera enforcement in 30 km/h zones
- Improving social safety in Southeast Amsterdam underpasses
- Smart features for e-bikes (ISA)
- Adjusting traffic light priority rules for cyclists
- The “High Five” project to encourage kids to bike more
Amsterdam has also started discussions on whether maximum speeds for two-wheelers are needed.
As Amsterdam celebrates its 750th anniversary, the city’s efforts to improve traffic safety, especially for vulnerable road users, are paying off, with more to come in 2025, designated the Year of the Pedestrian.
Read the full report here.
Walther Ploos van Amstel.