Mechelen named Flemish Cycling City of 2022

The Flemish Foundation for Traffic Knowledge (Vlaamse Stichting Verkeerskunde, VSV) has named Mechelen the Cycling City of 2022. The prize recognises Mechelen’s commitment to safe cycling infrastructure.

According to a VSV press release, Mechelen stood out for the smooth bicycle connection between the south and the north of the city, extra underground bicycle parking in the city centre and Huis van de Fiets —a bicycle hub providing cyclists from maintenance to bike rental.

“The efforts of many cities and municipalities to make cycling safer and more comfortable are to be commended,” said Lydia Peeters, Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works.

The competition is divided into three categories based on population. Mechelen won the largest (more than 50,000 inhabitants), while Lommel and Peer were the winners of the other two categories.

A total of nine Flemish cities and municipalities were nominated by the general public earlier in the year. Cyclists could vote on their town and rank it in terms of cycling safety and comfort. Mechelen was up against Genk and Leuven in its category. After nominations, the cities were judged by a panel of experts based on their infrastructure and policy.

(VIV)

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© BELGA PHOTO (KRISTOF RAMON) Women elite road race in the city center of Mechelen during the the UCI World Championships Road Cycling Flanders