PVV Calls for Fatbike Ban in Groningen
PVV calls for action against youth on fatbikes, suggesting local bans or confiscation in repeat cases of harassment and unsafe behaviour.
The Party for Freedom (PVV) in Groningen is demanding tougher action against groups of young people causing trouble on fatbikes. According to the party, more and more residents are reporting problems, and things have now gone too far. PVV party leader Kelly Blauw says the growing number of incidents involving fast, heavy fatbikes is creating unsafe situations in the city and suburbs.
“We’ve had enough,” says Blauw. “It’s not just about being annoying — these actions are a direct threat to public order and safety.” She says that the party has been hearing complaints from residents in different neighbourhoods, especially around shopping streets and residential areas. Many people feel intimidated by fast-moving youths on fatbikes who act aggressively or disrespectfully.
A Growing Concern
The PVV mentions several recent events to support their concern. Last Sunday, during the Remembrance Day ceremony at Martinikerkhof, a few young people on fatbikes reportedly disrupted the event. The party also refers to earlier problems, including aggressive behaviour at the McDonald’s on Herestraat, the stoning of a duck in Lewenborg, and cases where women were spat on, cursed at, or even hit. According to Blauw, these examples show a “disturbing trend” of violence and disrespect.
Blauw believes that some youths are forming a kind of subculture around fatbikes — using the bikes not just for fun, but as a way to act out and avoid consequences. “These bikes are fast, and because they don’t have license plates, it’s harder for police to catch people,” she says. “If someone causes trouble and we take away their fatbike, we remove the thing that allows them to act out in the first place.”
Proposed Measures
The PVV has submitted five official questions to the municipal council. These include asking whether the city recognises this as a serious and growing issue, why enforcement is lagging behind, and what the city is doing to protect residents and stop the behaviour. The party wants to know if measures like confiscating fatbikes or banning their use for known troublemakers could be introduced locally.
“We’re not saying all fatbike users are bad,” Blauw explains. “But when a group uses them to harass people or create chaos, we should be able to respond. If taking the bikes away helps stop that behaviour, we need to be brave enough to do it.”
While no specific action has yet been taken by the city, the PVV says it hopes this wake-up call will lead to a safer and more respectful environment for everyone in Groningen.
Just enforce registration. Done.