The project partner Rijkswaterstaat starts with the first experiment in the pilot area IJ Amsterdam. Their aim is to find out whether they can influence recreational boaters to choose a different route by using signs with a positive message and to make the waterways safer.
With this we want to create a safer IJ for everyone and this is where we need you! Do you have interesting additions or insights? Or do you want to be in contact?
The ‘Amsterdam IJ’ is one of six pilot areas within the Connected River project. Within this project various organizations are looking for digital solutions that contribute to the challenges in the area, and methods are being researched that allow for short-cycle and user-oriented innovation.
Rijkswaterstaat, Port of Amsterdam, Waternet and City of Amsterdam are involved in the IJ and the surrounding waters as waterway authorities. Crowding and safety between commercial, pleasure and passenger shipping is a major challenge in this area. Recreational shippers with small boats regularly enter the IJ from Amsterdam's inland waterways and mix with larger and faster commercial shipping, which can lead to unsafe situations.
We believe that prevention is better than cure. We want to help recreational boaters choose a safer route. Instead of sailing up the IJ, we nudge the choice to sail past Central Station. This is mainly about showing that there is also another choice, and informing about it in a positive tone.
During this experiment, pleasure and passenger boats coming from the Amstel-Nieuwe Herengracht-Scheepvaartmuseum and heading north are the target group. The route to the IJ, is the route we are trying to influence in an alternative. The alternative is the route in front of Central Station.
The first sign is attached to the Marineterrein quay wall. This sign informs pleasure boats of the choice that will soon have to be made where the nicer route is inside.
The second sign hangs on the Mr. J.J. van de Velde Bridge and provides confirmation that this is indeed the direction to sail to follow the nicer route.
Source: Rijkswaterstaat