Rotterdam’s car policy is under fire for prioritizing cars over the safety and well-being of cyclists and pedestrians, creating a dangerous and unwelcoming environment. Despite being recognized as a friendly city, Rotterdam’s prioritization of cars has resulted in tragic accidents and a decline in the quality of urban life.

The city’s car-centric approach, characterized by wide streets and a lack of green spaces, is not only dangerous but also contributes to the city’s unpleasantly high temperatures during the summer. The dominance of cars has led to a situation where vulnerable road users are put at risk, as evidenced by several recent incidents involving cyclists and pedestrians being seriously injured or killed by reckless drivers.

Critics argue that the municipality’s efforts to curb car use are insufficient and that more drastic measures are needed to create a safer and more livable city. The current policies, such as lowering the speed limit in a limited number of streets and implementing temporary traffic calming measures, are seen as inadequate responses to the scale of the problem.

The author calls for bolder action, including implementing one-way traffic systems, separating cyclists and motorists with green strips, and investing in speed cameras. These measures, they argue, are necessary to prioritize the safety and well-being of all Rotterdammers and create a city that is truly welcoming and livable. The city council needs to take radical steps to change this situation for a better and greener future for all citizens of Rotterdam.