What started as a dream grew into a cross-border network, in cooperation with the Flemish government and many towns and municipalities. The result is the roll-out of bicycle highways as a real mobility product. From the 2,800 km of cycle highways, 2,000 km are already cyclable.
Intersections and traffic lights are limited on these highways and cyclists have priority as much as possible. This makes it easy for cyclists to plan their travel time. New cycle highways are being built in some places, while in others, existing roads along canals or country lanes are converted into cycle highways.
Signposting of the cycle highways
The five Flemish provinces developed a joint signposting style: the blue F signs and floor stickers appear on most of the cycle highways. Additionally, a website was created including a route planner and the latest information on the route development projects. The Brussels and Walloon Regions have also jumped on the bandwagon, so we are moving towards a complete Belgian network of high-quality supra-local cycling links.
Working together
Designing and building cycle highways is a story of collaboration with many governments, citizens and civil society organisations. Thorough planning and regulatory frameworks are combined with sound pragmatism. Public participation sessions are frequently organised to present plans for cycle highways to residents and seek their feedback.
Financing is also a story of cooperation. The Flemish “Cycling Fund” is a cooperative agreement between the Flemish government and the Flemish provinces to support the realisation of bicycle highways. A city or municipality that builds or improves such cycling infrastructure on its own domain can get up to 100% subsidy. The costs are shared between the provinces and the Flemish government.
Cooperative planning of the cycle highways
Nature
One of the challenges we face is balancing the need for additional paving for cycle highways in a densely populated region with the preservation of scarce natural areas. Nevertheless, through extensive research, broad consultation with key environmental stakeholders and the implementation of mitigating design measures and nature management practices, we are able to create integrated and supported cycle highway projects.
For example, we consider using adapted or underground lighting solutions in natural areas. When there are bat populations, we avoid installing lighting. Instead, we use lines and bat-friendly ground-level lighting to guide cyclists.
You can't manage what you can't measure
Besides design and construction, investments are made in collecting cycling data. How many cyclists are using the cycle highway year after year? What is the number of cyclists at peak times? Which sections are used most? How does the weather affect the number of cyclists? Do cyclists dare to use the cycle highway after dark? With fixed counting posts, gaining insight into these figures becomes very easy.
Over the past five years, the province of East Flanders conducted three large-scale counts at different counting points along cycle highways. Compared to the first counts in 2018, there was even an increase of more than 50%.
Additional research also shows that the use of cycle highways is rising. For instance, the Province of East Flanders surveyed the use and perception of the overall cycle highway network among a representative group of East Flemish people. In addition, surveys were held with users of four selected East Flanders cycling highways.
Eight out of 10 users are very satisfied with the state of cycle highways in East Flanders. These users tend to own a car less and use a regular or electric bicycle more often than average in East Flanders. Cyclists mainly choose bicycle highways as a fast and safe way to get around. The most important requirements are a smooth road surface in good condition and a sufficiently wide cycle path. Almost half of East Flemish people who do not yet use the cycle highways today say they might want to do so in the future. Further investments and eliminating missing links could give them the necessary push in this regard.
Collecting data through counting poles
Want to know more?
Take part in the session
"10 years of cycle highways in Flanders: A look behind the scenes of Flemish cycle highways" on Thursday 20 June, from 10.45 to 11.45.
The Province of East Flanders will also take you on two
technical visits to illustrate our inspiring story:
- Bonding and Bridging: A visit to cycle city Deinze to Ghent on the cycling highway F7 | Wednesday 19 June from 07:45 to 13:30
- The 16 ingenious projects: Overcome barriers and travel along 16 bicycle tunnels and bridges and 100 meters of elevation in and around Ghent (including the newest and most impressive bicycle bridge in Ghent) | Thursday 20 June from 13:30 to 16:00
Moreover, at the
info booth (Booth 41) of the five Flemish provinces, staff from the Flemish provinces are permanently on hand to further exchange views on cycle highways with you.