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by martijn_himself 193 days ago
This seems to be concerning but as a Dutch person who has lived in the UK for a long time the relatively recent home-grown 'fatbike' issue seems to be a much more pressing problem for Dutch road safety than this and isn't being dealt with effectively as far as I understand.

Having said that I think these American pick-ups (and large SUV's, they are part of the same problem) are a common sight here as well and should not be allowed on the road (unless maybe you can show you need one for work or business).
3 comments
patall 193 days ago
I see those in Sweden as well. But I also know that people are stupid. And I rather have a stupid person on a stupid bike than a stupid person in an SUV. Especially since in an accident, they will lose in any case because most are likely not street legal.
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HendrikHensen 193 days ago
> This seems to be concerning but as a Dutch person who has lived in the UK for a long time the relatively recent home-grown 'fatbike' issue seems to be a much more pressing problem for Dutch road safety than this and isn't being dealt with effectively as far as I understand.

This is the appeal to worse problems fallacy. Both are problems, both need to be addressed.

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RicoElectrico 193 days ago
What's wrong with fatbikes? They look stupid for sure, but otherwise?
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martijn_himself 193 days ago
They are routinely modified to exceed legal speed limits and owned by 10 year old or younger kids. Going nearly 30mph on a footpath whilst holding a mobile phone. I think they are also unregistered.
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trollbridge 193 days ago
Major problem in the U.S. too.

Easily modified to go as fast as 50 MPH on a chassis not designed for it. Drivers aren’t licenced and often are young kids. No registration. No insurance. No training. Very hazardous to pedestrians.

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RicoElectrico 193 days ago
Oh, you mean they're powered, right?
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martijn_himself 193 days ago
Yes- in the Netherlands the term 'fatbike' is pretty much synonymous with the battery powered bikes only (I presume elsewhere this may be different). They are mini motorcycles really- but exempt from all the rules and regulations that would apply to regular motorcycles.
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Lio 193 days ago
Elsewhere “fatbike” just refers to the tyre size.

Pedal fatbikes for riding on snow and sand have existed for at least 20 years I’d say.

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