The entire city centre of Sint-Truiden is being transformed into a large cycling zone.
This encompasses the area within the old city walls, much of which is already a 30 km/h zone. “With this measure, we create a pleasant, safe, and orderly environment for road users,” said Mayor Ludwig Vandenhove of the Vooruit party, who is also in charge of Mobility. “Cyclists will literally and figuratively have more space in our centre.”
Specific rules apply to both cyclists and motorists in a cycling zone. Cyclists are allowed to use the full lane, and drivers cannot overtake them, although cyclists may overtake each other on the left. No one may exceed a speed of 30 kilometres per hour.
The Agency for Roads and Traffic, along with other city partners, is working hard to make the access roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians. In early July, a cycling tunnel was opened along Haspengouwlaan (N3) and the intersection with Naamsesteenweg, providing safe cycling paths from the suburbs to the city centre. The construction of the cycling ring, running parallel to the old city walls, is nearly complete, with only the LED lighting finishing up in the autumn. On this cycling ring, cyclists always have priority over crossing traffic. The ring delineates the boundary of the cycling zone around the inner city and is reserved exclusively for cyclists and pedestrians, with no motorised vehicles allowed. In contrast, cars are permitted within the city cycling zone, but cyclists cannot be overtaken.
“As a local authority, we are happy to take responsibility and ensure that cyclists can move easily and safely in the inner city,” added Mayor Ludwig Vandenhove. “Cars still have their place in the centre, but we aim to facilitate visitors and residents who wish to travel sustainably. At the same time, there are many children and young people attending school or engaging in activities in the centre. For their safety, we prioritise cyclists.”
