Minister Vincent Karremans launches national fat‑bike safety campaign in the Netherlands

The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management organized a large‑scale fat‑bike inspection on the municipal square in Baarn on 10 June 2026, with Minister Vincent Karremans personally opening the operation. Police directed riders of fat‑bikes, scooters, e‑bikes and electric scooters to the checkpoint, where a 12‑year‑old was found exceeding the 25 km/h limit and another bike lacked working brakes.

Karremans warned that incidents involving youth on electric bikes have risen sharply, noting a seven‑fold increase in head injuries since 2022. The ministry announced a forthcoming helmet mandate for all e‑bikes, a minimum age for fat‑bike use and the possibility of creating “fat‑bike‑free zones” in municipalities. A parental‑checklist will be distributed to encourage families to verify bike compliance at home.

The campaign aims to curb noisy, dangerous riding on sidewalks and curb the surge in accidents among young riders.