Flemish cities and towns have tripled cycling investment since 2017

Flemish cities and municipalities are investing three times more in cycling policy in 2022 than five years ago, according to a survey by the Association of Flemish Towns and Municipalities (VVSG) and Fietsberaad Vlaanderen.

Cycling is gaining importance for city and municipal governments in Flanders. They are investing heavily in safe cycling infrastructure. This year, cities and towns are investing between 15 and 20 euros per inhabitant in cycling policy, which is three times more than in 2017. This mainly concerns the construction of cycling infrastructure, cycling networks, adjustments to intersections and the monitoring of cycling use and behaviour.

Road safety is the main motivation for respondents to continue investing in cycling. This is followed by the shift towards sustainable mobility and quality of life in public spaces. Well-constructed and maintained cycling infrastructure encourages people to choose cycling.

The survey shows that Flemings mainly want better cycling routes for short distances within the centres of towns and cities. Investments in safe bicycle parking facilities are also needed.

(TOM)

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