Utrecht to start construction on largest cat-free neighborhood in the country next week
I was very confused when I read it.
They meant free-cat neighborhood. Take one, they’re free.
I live in Utrecht… I sometimes see how it is in car-centric countries. It really is a relief to come back home. I don’t even have a driver’s license, I use my (folding) bicycle+public transport for everything.
I would like to take this moment to express my profound, yet jaded, jealousy.
Honest questions. In these neighborhoods are lorries permitted to drive certain areas? Are all deliveries by bicycle wagon or similar? How do tradespeople bring tools/equipment. How is building/remodeling handled in areas that have little to no vehicle access and heavy equipment needs to be used?
I ask because I’ve lived my entire life in car-centric Midwest U.S. I have traveled in Europe but have not lived there, and so the day to day logistics are a mystery to me. Please help me cure my ignorance <3
There are several grocery services that operate light electric Goupil G4 “mini lorries” which are basically the perfect vehicle to use there.
For anything bigger, you need a permit.
From the official website of Utrecht: https://www.utrecht.nl/nieuws/nieuwsbericht-gemeente-utrecht/bouw-grootste-autovrije-stadswijk-van-nederland-merwede-van-start And a different nl website: https://www.managementsite.nl/de-laatste-meter/merwede-wijk-in-utrecht-wordt-autovrij-hoe-moet-dat-met-logistiek
On the edge there are parking spaces and logistical hubs with cabinets to send and receive packets. As well as delivery points for lorries.
Inside however, deliveries are done using cargo-bikes, delivery-robots and small electrical vehicles.
Exceptions are still possible, like for emergencies, trash collection, construction, maintenance and moving vans.
The Goupil G4 is a 120cm wide mini-truck that PicNic uses for grocery delivery across the country, it’s perfect for places like Merwede (and many other cities).
You usually need to get a permit beforehand, except emergency vehicles. These areas are large enough to accommodate them, but the spaces are planned for people, not just cars. If by lorry you mean an 18 wheeler, I don’t think it can maneuver there, it’s usually smaller trucks being used.
For Merwede specifically, ebikes and small electric vehicles are allowed (up to 1,3m wide). If you need to build/remodel/move in or out, you request an exemption with the council. You won’t be able to park anywhere, there will be designated areas for it close to your destination
Having that in mind, tradespeople don’t need huge pick up trucks, you will likely see them using a van or cargo bikes like this one:
I’d like to live in a car-free neighborhood.
So say, we all.
Oh god, another reason to move to the Netherlands. I can’t explain the deep longing I feel for such an existence.
Love that place
It mentions public transit options too. Hopefully that’ll include trams and/or metro services for very long distance connections.
It is right on an existing bus line, less than 1km from an existing tram line, and about 2km from Utrecht Centraal.
I’m sold! what does it take for someone to move there? I will do anything, sigh…
At least 350k for an apartment. And a European passport or residence permit.
Jeez that’s too much! What about a loan and a European passport?
