On January 21, 2025, an informative session was held at the Buurtkamer in Oostenburg Noord regarding the plans for the bicycle and pedestrian path along Dijksgracht Oost. During this meeting, residents had the opportunity to be updated and share their concerns. The session focused on open communication and achieving an equal level of information between the municipality and residents.

The municipality explained why the bicycle and pedestrian path is considered necessary. The project aims to:

• Improve accessibility to Oostenburg, as this area is becoming car-free.
• Reduce pressure on existing bicycle paths by providing an alternative route.
• Enhance access to Amsterdam Central Station, the city center, and surrounding neighborhoods such as Oostenburg.

Although the new path will not be part of the main bicycle network, it will serve a local function. It was also clarified that the route would not be suitable for standard street sweepers, raising concerns about maintenance.

The original design from 2018 has been revised multiple times over the years. The latest modifications were made in response to an independent traffic safety study completed in February 2024. This study indicated that the current design at the intersection with Kattenburgerstraat still poses traffic safety risks.

The municipality emphasized that the adjustments are intended to minimize these risks. Changes include excluding street sweepers from this route and specific improvements to the intersection. Despite these adjustments, the intersection remains a challenge, partly because the bridge has a protected status, preventing modifications to the tunnel. The municipality stated that this design is the best achievable solution within the given constraints. However, they stand by the plan and would not propose it if they were not convinced of its feasibility and necessity.

During the session, the results of a previous resident survey were discussed. The findings showed that residents were generally positive about the bicycle route. However, it was noted that the most positive responses came from residents of Oostenburg. Concerns about the safety of the intersection with Kattenburgerstraat were frequently mentioned, reflecting a division of opinions among residents.

During the session, residents of Dijksgracht gave a presentation outlining their concerns and alternative proposals. They expressed a preference for a pedestrian path or a shell path instead of a bicycle path, to preserve the area’s tranquility and safety. They also explained why Dijksgracht is not an ideal continuous bicycle route. Key arguments included:

• The drawbridge, which lacks a proper bicycle path and has a makeshift ramp.
• The narrow road with significant local traffic.
• The Oosterdokskade, where large buses turn, making the road uncomfortable for cyclists due to potholes and other obstacles.
• The Ruiterkade, a dangerous road for cyclists.

Additionally, Dijksgracht residents voiced strong doubts about the municipality’s traffic movement estimates. These estimates were based on winter traffic counts, while residents who conducted their own counts stated that summer traffic is three to four times higher. This could further increase congestion and safety issues at the intersection.

The discussion primarily focused on whether a bicycle path is necessary, given the potential safety issues it may create. A key dilemma raised was that, according to the municipality, there are no further possible adjustments to the intersection’s design, despite safety concerns. The location’s constraints—including the protected status of the bridge and the inability to modify the tunnel—make alternatives difficult. Nevertheless, the municipality maintains that this plan is the most feasible solution.

Residents’ concerns remain significant, particularly regarding:

• Traffic safety at the intersection with Kattenburgerstraat.
• The potential increase in bicycle traffic, including fast electric bikes.
• The impact on the residential character of Dijksgracht West.

The municipality stated that residents’ feedback would be taken into account and that the session’s outcomes would be discussed by the district council. At the end of January, the district council will further deliberate on this topic.

• The municipality will evaluate the feedback received.
• The district council will make a decision regarding the project’s progress.

Further Information:
Check the district council’s agenda on the municipal website for more details about upcoming meetings.