Smartphones on Bikes Were Banned a Month Ago – But Did it Work?

Using Whatsapp op de fiets? €95. Google-mapping your way to a broodje? €95. Skipping songs from that Bach symphony to a Tay-Tay hit? €95. Using a phone while on the bike has been forbidden for one month now. But, a recent survey shows that most cyclists have refused to change their behaviour. 

The new law banned all cyclists from having electronic devices in hand while travelling, or risk facing a €95 fine. It was a huge change for the Dutch, who were used to doing whatever they pleased on the bike.

Nearly half of all 3000 respondents in the poll conducted by RTL Nieuws said that they didn’t pay any attention to the phone ban since it was implemented.

What did the public say?

Of the respondents, only 18 people had been unlucky enough to be fined by police, despite a crackdown during the first week of the law. Seven others were stopped by police, but escaped with just a warning.

Read More: 6 things you need to know about the smartphone ban for cyclists in the Netherlands

Almost 60% percent of those surveyed said they leave their phones in their pocket or handbag, while 42% find the need to WhatsApp more important than the law.

Is the law working?

The police service will not provide any figures on how many fines have been issued. Regardless, around 50% have changed their behaviour in some way. Of course, the young guns are using their phones more than those from an older generation. Some cyclists completely disregard the rule. Others keep their phones out of sight.

#appverbod pic.twitter.com/UacryGTqKh

— Fokke & Sukke daily (@FenS_fans) July 1, 2019

Some only use their phones now depending on the situation, but less than they used to. Other respondents were utilising phone holders that clip onto the steering bar, while others use a headset or smartwatch.

Inventive Solutions

And of course there are those that don’t care about the law, as long as they don’t get caught. A quick scan for police, and app away.