Zoetermeer puts brakes on fatbike nuisance: action plan for greater traffic safety

Fatbikes are rapidly gaining popularity, especially among young people. But their use also brings risks: dangerous situations and nuisance in shopping areas and around schools. To combat this, the municipality of Zoetermeer, together with schools, parents and young people, is actively taking measures. This approach is laid down in the 'Action plan for unsafe use and nuisance fatbikes', on which the city council will decide shortly. The plan focuses on raising awareness of traffic safety risks as well as tackling groups that cause nuisance and, after approval by the council, will be implemented over the next 2 years.

3 lines of action

The plan consists of 3 lines of action:

  • Physical measures: for example, bicycle bans in shopping areas by placing text carts and signs
  • Behavioral advocacy and campaigns: raising awareness among young people and parents about unsafe traffic behavior
  • Enforcement: crack down on violations through direct fines

Councilwoman Véronique Frinking (mobility): "Fatbikes are not toys. They involve risks for young people and other road users. With this action plan, we are taking a solid step towards more safety in Zoetermeer. But national action remains necessary."

Mayor Michel Bezuijen: "Enforcement plays an important role in countering the nuisance caused by (electric) bicycles. Together with the police, we have already started taking stricter action: anyone who does not follow the rules will be fined immediately. I am pleased that the city council has made additional resources available for 4 additional boas, who are expected to start work soon."

Tracking results

The municipality will monitor the results of the action plan for 2 years. This will look at:

  • The number of fines, reports and checks in shopping areas, parks and at schools.
  • The number of traffic accidents involving electric bicycles and mopeds.
  • Views of residents and retailers through surveys.
  • Feedback from neighborhood teams.

Planning

July 2026: first interim report
May 2027: update including enforcement effects
May 2028: final report on entire action plan