Amsterdam lets "beer bike" ride on, with limits

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The beer bike will ride on in Amsterdam.

The outsized bikes, seating groups of people around a central bar, are something
of a fixture in the city's center. But two accidents within two months prompted
the city councillor responsible for transport to launch an investigation in
June.

Following that review the city has decided to allow the bikes to carry on
riding, a city spokesman said Saturday.

They will, however, need permits from the various city boroughs, and those
permits are likely to come with restrictions on hours of operation and
requirements for a sober driver.

While non-drinkers already typically steer the bikes, their size has also been
an issue in some cases on the city centre's narrow streets. One of the
better-known operators, PartyFiets.nl, offers two-hour tours on bikes that seat
up to 22 people and carry 30 litres (7.9 gallons) of beer.

(Reporting by Ben Berkowitz; Editing by Louise Ireland)

http://www.reuters.com/article/oddly...57S14G20090829