Tram tracks and bicycle safety is not an obvious combination.
Improving bicycle safety near tram tracks is a priority point for attention for Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works Lydia Peeters and De Lijn. For some time now, De Lijn has been trying out and testing new methods and infrastructural interventions are also being carried out to increase safety for cyclists.
“For example, we recently carried out work in a first phase on part of the tracks in the Kortrijksepoortstraat and in the Nederkouter,” said Minister Peeters. “Yesterday, a filler for tram rails as bicycle fall safety was also tested in collaboration with the Fietsersbond,” said Minister Peeters.
Tram tracks and bicycle safety is not an obvious combination. This has been shown several times in recent years from serious cycling accidents in the city center of Ghent. There are various aspects that can cause bicycle accidents at tram beds. Practice shows that it often involves a combination of factors such as the smoothness of the materials used (metal rails, switches, etc.), the grooves of the rails and the limited urban space, which means that traffic flows have to be combined.
Following an investigation by UZ Gent, Flemish minister Lydia Peeters asked for a deeper, more thorough investigation into possible measures to tackle bicycle accidents on the tram tracks. “Road safety is a priority for me. De Lijn has therefore been working hard on this in recent months, and was able to count on the help and knowledge of various other parties, including the city of Ghent, the Travelers' Union and the Fietsersbond', explains Minister Peeters.
“It is important for all road users that cycling near tram tracks can be done safely. In Ghent, thousands of road users travel daily by tram or bicycle in the same narrow streets. Tests abroad prove that a miracle solution that excludes all falls of cyclists near tram tracks does not yet exist. De Lijn is currently studying various bicycle fall prevention techniques. The goal: to prevent cyclists who accidentally end up in the tram tracks from falling and injuring themselves”
Yves De Bruyckere has indicated that the Ghent cyclists' association is happy with De Lijn's recent efforts to tackle the problem of bicycle accidents around tram tracks. The cooperation and professionalism surrounding this test set-up leaves you wanting more. The association realizes that there is a lot of work to be done to make Ghent's tram tracks bicycle-friendly. The STOP principle desired by Flanders is the appropriate guideline. “We are happy to advise and assist De Lijn in the further development of the long-term strategy”.
Infrastructural approach
The condition of the road surface between and next to the tracks plays an important role in making the road safer for bicycles. Due to a structural maintenance and investment backlog from the past, several rail routes in Ghent have now been completed renewal up. Most tram renewal projects are part of a collaboration with the City of Ghent and Farys in the context of utility works and/or street renewal.
