If there is one form of transport that is even cleaner than zero emission electric vehicles, it has to be the bicycle. So while the city of Amsterdam eagerly promotes the use of electric vehicles it has met a tough proponent in the form of the cyclist.
Established as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, Amsterdam has successfully promoted the use of bicycles with around 550,000 parking sports reserved for bikes only compared to just 180,000 parking spots for cars. Indeed, according to research, cyclists are responsible for around 55 per cent of all movement within the city centre.
However, now the city hopes to have 10,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2015 and four times that number by 2020 leaving some cyclists fearing that the number of people who travel on their bikes will diminish.
According to Mariolein de Lange, a member of the cycling union Fietsersbond, the fear is that more parking spaces will mean more cars. It is their belief that as the bike is already one of the most efficient transportation options available and works for the city, there is no need to change. While they are not against the promotion of electric vehicles to replace petrol cars, they are worried that cyclists will slowly convert to electric vehicle use too.
What do you think about this? Do you think cycle lanes and spaces should be removed to promote electric cars? Leave a comment below with your thoughts.
