Economy

Amsterdam’s city council is set to enact a ban on fatbikes in designated busy areas, following a reversal by the PvdA and GroenLinks parties who initially expressed reservations. The decision, reported by NOS on Thursday, comes after weeks of debate over the increasing presence and perceived dangers of the larger-wheeled electric bicycles.

The initial proposal stemmed from concerns raised by D66, a coalition partner, regarding safety and congestion in popular public spaces. Opposition parties VVD, CDA, Volt, and JA21 had already signaled their support for the measure, according to NH Nieuws. The ban will be implemented through amendments to the city’s Algemene Plaatselijke Verordening (APV), with a vote scheduled later this week expected to be a formality given the now-substantial majority.

The city council has defined a fatbike as any bicycle with tires exceeding 7 centimeters in width. The shift in position by PvdA and GroenLinks followed earlier objections. GroenLinks had voiced concerns about potential stigmatization, while the PvdA questioned the legal basis for restricting bicycles based solely on tire size. Despite these initial hesitations, both parties ultimately agreed to support the ban, though GroenLinks council member Elisabeth IJmker emphasized that the decision only establishes the authority to implement the ban, not specific locations or timing.

Wethouder Melanie van der Horst (D66) expressed satisfaction with the broadened support and indicated that further discussions will focus on identifying the “busy areas” subject to the ban. She also plans to incorporate a proposal from GroenLinks allowing fatbike riders to walk their vehicles through certain restricted zones.

The move follows a similar ban implemented in Enschede last summer, making it the first Dutch municipality to restrict fatbikes in its city center.

The debate in Amsterdam has expanded to consider restrictions on all e-bikes, including electric bakfietsen (cargo bikes), as reported by Headliner.nl. During a recent city council meeting, PvdA council member Farley Asruf proposed a motion to ban all e-bikes in busy recreational areas, a step that sparked further discussion and disagreement among coalition partners.

Meanwhile, Amsterdam continues to be a hub for fatbike sales and culture. CLUB 204, a dedicated fatbike retailer in the city, offers a range of models from brands like PHATFOUR, BREKR, and STOER Bikes, according to its website. Fatbikeskopen.nl also advertises a selection of bakfietsen, including electric models, with promotional offers and financing options.

Toyota’s reputation for vehicle reliability has been challenged in recent reports, with new data suggesting a decline in its standing as Europe’s most dependable automaker. While historically lauded for its durability – famously demonstrated by a Toyota Hilux subjected to extreme tests by the BBC’s Top Gear program, which included attempts to destroy the vehicle through fire, submersion, and impact – recent studies indicate a shift in the automotive landscape.

The Top Gear challenge, documented in “Killing a Toyota Part 1” (2006), saw Jeremy Clarkson attempt to render a Hilux unusable, a testament to the vehicle’s robust construction. The Hilux, introduced in 1968, has turn into a symbol of resilience, evolving from a compact pickup to a mid-size truck in 1997. The program’s attempts to dismantle the Hilux, including dropping it from a height, ultimately failed to prevent it from functioning, solidifying its image as virtually indestructible.

However, a new study, as reported by HLN, Autofans, and TopGear, reveals that Toyota is no longer the top-ranked brand for reliability in Europe. The reports indicate that other manufacturers are now surpassing Toyota in terms of vehicle dependability. TopGear’s recent coverage highlights a series of long-term vehicle reviews, including assessments of the Prius, Land Cruiser, Urban Cruiser, bZ4X, Aygo X, and GR Yaris, revealing a mixed performance across Toyota’s current lineup. A long-term review of the Prius, published February 18, 2026, questions whether the model is becoming “desirable” despite its efficiency. Similarly, a review of the Urban Cruiser, released February 12, 2026, labels it “easily Toyota’s worst car.”

The changing rankings reach as the automotive industry continues to grapple with the challenges of introducing new models, which often experience initial “kinderziektes” or teething problems, according to HLN. The reports do not specify which brands have overtaken Toyota, but emphasize a competitive shift in the European market. Toyota’s recent return to Formula One racing, with a partnership between Toyota and Haas, represents a separate strategic initiative for the company.

MSN reports on the “Toyota Hilux Invincible,” a special edition truck built to commemorate the vehicle’s survival of the Top Gear tests. The Hilux’s enduring legacy, however, does not appear to be fully translating to across-the-board reliability in Toyota’s broader range of vehicles, according to the latest data. The company continues to produce a diverse portfolio of cars, from the efficient Prius and Auris to the performance-oriented Yaris GR and GR GT.