Amsterdam street cleaner faces growing impatience on city roads

Municipal street cleaner Patrick van Duivenbode charges his electric sweeper vehicle every weekday afternoon at the Kriterion petrol station on IJburglaan. The stop serves as a regular spot after 14:00 for him and his colleagues to recharge their vehicles, eat lunch, or take a break.

Van Duivenbode views his sweeper as his personal office, decorating the interior with led lights and stuffed toys, and always taking his shoes off inside to keep it clean. He values the freedom of the work, noting that he can decide his own steering path through the city during his shifts.

Impatience from drivers and cyclists

Working on Amsterdam streets has grown more difficult over the years as public attitudes have shifted. Van Duivenbode reports that other road users show little patience when his vehicle moves at working speeds between two and ten kilometres per hour.

Drivers stuck behind the slow-moving sweeper often shout demanding to pass when there is no room. He advises that people simply need to wait until it is safe to proceed.

Blind spots and fast bicycles

Cyclists present the greatest safety concern because the sweeping vehicle has significant blind spots. Faster bicycles, especially fatbikes, frequently appear beside the vehicle within seconds of a clear mirror check.

Van Duivenbode advises cyclists to give street sweepers a wide berth when passing to prevent collisions.

Source: AT5