More people may be cycling to work, but in Amsterdam the council wants them to slow down — particularly in the city’s parks.

Research by mobility agency Shuttel shows that the number of cycle commutes rose by 57% between March 2024 and March 2025. Car trips increased by 44%, while public transport use went up by 24%.

The surge is linked to a decline in working from home, according to Shuttel’s Bart Horstman. “We could already see growth last year, but it is continuing this year,” he told the AD. “Hybrid working is still a thing, but people are spending less time at home.”

The bicycle remains the most popular means of transport for distances under five kilometres, the research found while for longer distances — over seven kilometres — the e-bike is gaining ground. “An increasing number of employers are offering facilities to freshen up after a ride, including showers and changing rooms,” Horstman said.

While fast cycling may be on the rise, Amsterdam officials are urging cyclists to ease off the pedals in the city’s green spaces. Around 62% of residents cycle to work.

“Parks should be places where people can find peace,” city transport chief Melanie van der Horst told the Parool. “So we are starting a campaign to bring some calm back into traffic.”

The campaign includes electronic signs asking cyclists to slow down in the city’s Vondelpark and Rembrandtpark — a measure the Dutch cyclists’ union Fietsersbond doubts will make much difference.

Measurements will be taken after the summer to see if the signs have had an impact.

Meanwhile, Van der Horst told the paper she would prefer an official speed limit of 20 kph, but said this would require both government approval and funding for enforcement.