Duivendrecht cycle routes do not feel much safer yet: "A year has already passed"

Nearly a year ago, the municipality of Ouder-Amstel introduced an action plan to improve safety on cycling routes between Amsterdam and Duivendrecht following the murder of 17-year-old Lisa from Abcoude. While local officials report that they have actively engaged with residents and implemented improvements such as trimming vegetation and upgrading some lighting, many locals remain unsatisfied. Residents, including Niek Heering of the Vrienden van Duivendrecht foundation, continue to highlight persistent issues like poor lighting in tunnels and overgrown greenery that hampers safety perceptions.

Mayor Susanne de Roy van Zuidewijn-Rive acknowledges that the work is ongoing and far from complete. The municipality is currently collaborating with neighboring regions to address cross-boundary route issues and is prioritizing a gender-focused perspective on safety. An advisory agency is expected to present findings later this month regarding which cycling paths should be designated as preferred routes, with the goal of concentrating traffic to enhance overall security. Officials emphasize that while they are working hard, physical infrastructure changes take significant time to finalize.