Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In

On my recent swing to The Netherlands, I definitely planned on following up on the news that the cycling haven would be removing from 10,000 to 11,000 parking spacesfrom the city's core.

I really only planned a very short 90-second video, but I realized this story was worth so much more. I got to talk to some amazing folks, including Zeeger Ernsting, a City Councilman for GroenLinks (Green Party), who discussed how the initiative came about. Ernsting advised me to check out the Frans Halsbuurt neighborhood, where an entire grid of streets now has virtually no parking, except for loading spaces (an extremely good idea!) and a few spaces for the disabled.

The transformation of the neighborhood looks amazing on the face of it — but is even more stark when you look back at the Google street view from 2012. Click forward year by year and you will see car parking slowly evaporate. As dramatic and lovely as this film makes it seem I must advise you: it is even more lovely, lush and livable. If you have a chance, go there. See it for yourself.

Before (2012).
Before (2012). The after is below. Photos: Google
false
After.
false

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Monday’s Headlines

Another study shows health benefits of biking far outweigh risks; Santa Rosa loses a freeway plan, gains a park; Take transit to the Rose Parade; More

December 23, 2024

New Metro Subway Railcars Started Service Today

Streetsblog got a special preview ride today. Have you ridden Metro's new "HR4000" heavy rail cars yet?

December 23, 2024

Letter to Readers: Happy Holidays and Thoughts on the Year’s Takeaways

2024 will be remembered as a seminal year for San Francisco streets

December 23, 2024

Streetsblog Year in Review: The Biggest Sustainable Transport News of 2024

It was a busy year in the movement to end car dependency — and there's a lot more to come.

December 23, 2024

Friday’s Headlines

New, wider sidewalks in SF's Tenderloin; Environmental groups sue CARB over biofuels; Biden sets national climate goals; More

December 20, 2024
See all posts