Amsterdam was on the edge of becoming a car-dominated city
This is what happens when a city prioritizes people over vehicles.
In 1971, Amsterdam was on the edge of becoming a car-dominated city.
That year, 3,300+ people lost their lives in road accidents, including more than 400 children.
This was the moment that changed everything.
People didn’t stay silent after this massive loss.
They came together and started a movement:- Stop the Child Murder.
They demanded safer streets, more space for people, and a city built around its citizens, not cars.
And the city officials listened.
Leaders took action:
✔ Redesigned streets
✔ Built safe and dedicated cycling infrastructure
✔ Introduced car-free zones and strict speed limits
Today, we see Amsterdam stands as a global model for urban living where bicycles dominate the streets, a cleaner environment, fewer cars, and less noise.
This transformation didn’t happen overnight.
It happened with the collective action.
As a country where road accidents rise every year, we have so much to learn from Amsterdam.
Because they didn’t wait, they started the change when it was needed.
It’s our turn to make our country safe for everyone.
Do you think India can adopt the approach that Amsterdam has taken?