wellness
Oud West Expands Cycling Routes Safe for Families and Beginners
New paths through local parks give parents and novice riders protected options away from busy traffic.
How we reported this
The Oud West district opened two new family cycling loops on 6 July 2026 that run entirely on separated paths inside Westerpark and along the Kostverlorenvaart canal.
Active residents have pressed the borough for safer routes since the 2024 mobility survey showed rising interest in outdoor exercise among households with children under twelve. City planners responded by widening existing paths and adding raised crossings at three intersections near Bilderdijkstraat.
Routes through Westerpark and the canal
One loop starts at the Westergasfabriek entrance on Pazzanistraat, circles the central lawns for 2.8 kilometres, and returns via the old gasworks buildings. The second follows the Kostverlorenvaart towpath from the bridge at Jan Swammerdamstraat south to the Kinkerstraat footbridge, a flat 3.4-kilometre out-and-back with benches every 400 metres. Both routes avoid motor traffic and connect directly to the Oud West community sports hub on Da Costakade.
Borough records released last month list 1,240 family memberships in the local Fietsersbond chapter for 2025, up from 870 the year before. Rental bikes at the Westerpark kiosk cost €4 for two hours, with child seats and helmets included at no extra charge.
Getting started this weekend
Families can pick up a free paper map at the Oud West district office on Kinkerstraat 119 or download the route files from the borough website. The paths stay open until 22:00 daily, and surface repairs finished on 4 July mean no loose gravel remains. Beginners are advised to begin at the Westergasfabriek end on Saturday mornings when volunteer stewards from the local cycling club are present to point out the gentlest grades.