White Bicycle

‘OV-fiets not suitable for tourists’

In a comparative study on bicycle sharing systems, the German ADAC sharply criticizes the OV-fiets (rental bicycles operated by Dutch Railways) in Amsterdam. Along with the Hague, the capital is at the bottom of the ranking of 40 European bicycle-sharing systems. Information is only available in Dutch, it’s not possible to rent a bicycle without first registering and bicycles have no suspension and gears.

14 July 2012, 11:34 | |

'Introduce bicycle sharing in Zuidoost'

Alderman Emile Jaensch (VVD) of the Zuidoost District likes the idea of introducing cheap rental bikes in his district, following the example of cities like Paris, Barcelona and London. The city of Amsterdam will not get such a bicycle sharing scheme, Alderman Eric Wiebes (also VVD) announced earlier: everybody already owns a bicycle and there is not enough room on the sidewalks to park rental bikes. However, in Zuidoost, bicycle use could use a boost, Jaensch argues. As far as he is concerned, it would be no problem to finance such a project with income from advertising.

4 January 2011, 20:02 | |

Amsterdammers cycle in Haarlem

Among Amsterdammers, Haarlem is the most popular location to rent an OV-fiets: they have made 5,346 trips here last year. The second place is occupied by The Hague CS (4,353 trips) and Utrecht Hoog Catharijne comes third (3,901 trips). A number of large cities have multiple locations where Amsterdammers frequently rent a bicycle. When the locations per city are totalled up, Utrecht comes first, followed by Amsterdam and The Hague. See also: Bike sharing grows fast enough.

6 November 2010, 12:49 | |

‘Bike sharing grows fast enough’

Alderman Eric Wiebes does not see the need to promote expansion of the number of locations where OV-fietsen can be hired, the rental bikes of Dutch Railways (NS). In so doing, he brushes aside a motion passed two years ago. The SP thinks he is not making enough of an effort and plans to raise the issue in the city council next week.

In July 2008, the city council adopted a motion calling on the administration to ask the NS to increase of the number of OV-fiets locations. This should make it more attractive for motorists to switch to a combination of bicycle and public transport.

6 November 2010, 12:41 | |

Despite snow, cyclists not complaining

Cars are slowed down and public transport is a mess, but cyclists seem to be OK despite having to plough through the snow. However, frozen brake cables do seem to pose a problem.

Govert de With of cyclists’ organisation Fietsersbond told Buurtleven that no real complaints have reached the organisation so far. “I’ve spoken with various districts. They are responsible for the bicycle paths. They say that they scatter salt on the bicycle paths every day, but that they’re having trouble keeping up with the heavy snowfall.”

He added that complaints about the condition of bicycle paths may be addressed to the district or to the Fietsersbond (6854794).

21 December 2009, 22:37 | |
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