No traffic lights for dangerous Jordaan intersection

The intersection of Elandsgracht and Marnixstraat remains the most common site for bicycle accidents in Amsterdam. Thirty collisions involving cyclists were registered there over a five-year period.

Traffic converges from all directions, creating heavy chaos particularly during the morning rush hour between 08:00 and 09:00. Without signals, road users must rely entirely on road markings and priority rules.

Concerns over congestion and red lights

Despite the high accident numbers, the municipality has deliberately chosen not to install traffic lights. City spokesperson Barbara Verhallen stated that signals could cause major traffic jams due to the sheer volume of cyclists.

Frequent trams and buses crossing the junction would lead to long waiting times for other traffic. Officials also fear road users would ignore red lights, creating a false sense of security.

Previous redesigns and future measures

The city acknowledges that the location is extremely busy, complex, and dangerous. The crossing was redesigned in 2019 with widened cycle paths, extra crossing points, and bicycle street layouts.

Further adjustments were made over the past summer, including refreshed road markings and extra warning signs for trams and buses.

Behavioural psychologist Karlijn Hoyer noted that more research is needed to determine whether redesigning the layout or tackling speeding would be more effective than traffic lights.

Source: AT5