A Dutch architecture firm is behind a concept for a bicycle track under the Amsterdam Lake. The objective? To link the north of the capital to the central station via an amazing tunnel. For the experts behind the project, the tunnel in question would cost less to build than a traditional bridge, and would have other advantages.

A track that goes underwater

In the Netherlands, bike paths are a real institution. In 2014, the Dutch created the world’s first solar-powered bike path. They also created the first glow-in-the-dark bike path, although it is more like a work of art. Now they’re talking about a path that dives underwater, specifically under Amsterdam’s artificial IJ Lake.

Presented in 2019 by its creators – the architectural firm Syb van Breda & Co – the concept aims to simplify and facilitate travel between the north of the city and Amsterdam’s central station.

This would save residents from having to take a car or ferry to make the long journey. Another advantage is that the tunnel would provide the opportunity to connect the bike path networks of both districts.

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A project examined by the city council

Let’s look at the tunnel itself. The tunnel would have openings about 50 meters wide. Thus, cyclists could go down and up on gentle slopes in the form of a spiral and thus limit their efforts.

On the pedestrian side, mechanical elevators would allow them to go down and admire the amazing building. In addition, the tunnel has a separate lane for cyclists and pedestrians and the originality continues with the presence of plants growing under artificial light.

“This means that the entire project should be able to be moved to four meters. it makes a significant difference for cyclists because they won’t have to do all these loops to get down to the lowest level,”

the architect deciphered for Dutch Review.

The architects of Syb van Breda & Co are positive that their tunnel would cost less to build than a conventional bridge. In addition, the project would further enhance Amsterdam’s reputation for soft mobility. The last hurdle for those in charge is to get the project accepted.

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In Amsterdam, 32% of the inhabitants use bicycles to get around on a daily basis. Only one city in Europe does better: Copenhagen (Denmark) with 35% of cyclists in everyday life.

It is not yet known whether this original bike track will see the light of day. But if the government gives the green light. It will be built in 2025 and will offer a new and unusual experience in one of Europe’s most bicycle-intensive cities.