The Jan Yperman Hospital in Ieper has officially been recognised as the most bike-friendly hospital in Belgium, becoming the country’s first to earn the European Gold Cycle Friendly Employer (CFE) label from the European Cyclists’ Federation.
The CFE evaluates organisations based on their cycling friendliness in areas such as infrastructure, safety, awareness efforts, and policy. Companies and institutions can achieve a bronze, silver, or gold certificate depending on their initiatives. Jan Yperman Hospital is the first Belgian healthcare facility to secure the prestigious gold level. On Tuesday, Inge Smolders, director of the Fietsersbond cycling advocacy group, visited the hospital to offer her congratulations.
An independent jury from the Fietsersbond thoroughly assessed the hospital’s cyclist facilities on-site. They inspected the bike parking areas, checked for sufficient secure storage spaces, and evaluated the availability of adapted racks for cargo bikes. Special parking zones, charging points, and a ‘bike boost’ station that staff can use for repairs were also reviewed.
“What stands out most is the extra effort the HR department makes to inform and inspire employees to commute by bike,” explained Eddy Vaes, who conducted the audit on behalf of the Fietsersbond. “They use all possible channels and run motivational campaigns. The establishment of a mobility team and the creation of a concrete cycling goal for the next three years demonstrate just how seriously they take cycling.”
In addition to its investment in infrastructure and policy, the hospital scored well in raising awareness about safety and health. It actively promotes campaigns advocating for helmet use and sustainable mobility practices.
