A holistic vision for cycling (Bruges, Belgium)
Area: urban
Date implemented: Work on a strategy for the ‘Stadsfietsroute’, or Urban Cycle Route, kicked off in August 2019. By early 2020, a series of key stakeholder events were carried out to collect input from a wide range of actors including European experts, local authorities, cycling advocacy groups, as well as local residents. In October 2020, the city approved a vision and roadmap for the Urban Cycle Route.
How long from concept to implementation: The 2020 roadmap identified no less than 75 action points to put the Urban Cycle Route into practice. Some of these actions points were quick wins, which were realised in 2020-2021 (e.g. introducing cycling streets). Others are strategic projects that require a longer implementation process. For the redesign Bruges’ train station area, for example, the city conducted a survey in 2019-2022. Now, a final concept has been approved and the area will be redesigned by 2026.
Relation between efforts undertaken and benefits achieved: The Urban Cycle Route vision did not only put forward a new cycling network (‘where?’), but also a new mindset regarding future-proof cycling networks (‘how?’ and ‘what?’). Building on the motto ‘less speed, more city’, Bruges set course to a more intuitive and comfortable cycling network that respects the city’s rich historical and natural characteristics. In short, the efforts undertaken will bring benefits for years to come.
What was done and how: After identifying the need to improve cycling safety around the historical city centre, the city of Bruges commissioned a project team to develop a ring road corridor strategy in line with Flemish cycle highway standards. This team consisted of landscape architecture firm West 8 (NL), traffic engineers Vectris (BE), and a cycling consultancy firm Copenhagenize Design Co. (DK). This team soon questioned the ring road corridor approach, arguing that greater focus should be placed on the overall connectivity and integration of the city-wide cycling network. Thus, the project’s focus shifted from the ring road (FR30) to a more holistic ‘Stadsfietsroute’, or Urban Cycle Route. By integrating on-street and green corridors, the proposed Urban Cycle Route allows Bruges to exploit new opportunities in opening up the city for cyclists as well as to connect previously disconnected spaces through bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. The result will be a win-win situation for cyclists and the city at large.
Why it worked to 'fast track' the innovation/measure: Participation in the CIVITAS Handshake project, featuring an exploratory survey and multiple immersive symposia, lifted the project to new heights. It turned the Urban Cycle Route into a true urban renewal project instead of merely a traffic project.
Lessons learnt:
* Cycling planning is not just traffic planning. Cycling energizes a city and completes city life. It impacts both flows (or traffic) and places.
* There is no use in trying to become the next Copenhagen/Amsterdam/… Cities should write their own story by analysing their DNA and tapping into their demographic, historical and natural features.
* Do not underestimate the power of storytelling: visualise the change you want to see (e.g. through Photoshop). Action speaks louder than words.
* Exchanges with national and international cycling experts proved beneficial.
* Make links with current and future urban renewal projects. Bolster strategic alliances to ensure a strong and integrated plan.
Tips for replication:
* Take time to get the project definition right.
* Be critical. Be aware of your own biases.
* Do not mix up means and objectives. Cycling lanes are just one way of creating a cycling city.
* Trust in the process, even if this entails a leap in the dark. The challenge and the objectives suffice as a solid compass, especially when surrounded by a transdisciplinary team.
Sources or links:
Date implemented: Work on a strategy for the ‘Stadsfietsroute’, or Urban Cycle Route, kicked off in August 2019. By early 2020, a series of key stakeholder events were carried out to collect input from a wide range of actors including European experts, local authorities, cycling advocacy groups, as well as local residents. In October 2020, the city approved a vision and roadmap for the Urban Cycle Route.
How long from concept to implementation: The 2020 roadmap identified no less than 75 action points to put the Urban Cycle Route into practice. Some of these actions points were quick wins, which were realised in 2020-2021 (e.g. introducing cycling streets). Others are strategic projects that require a longer implementation process. For the redesign Bruges’ train station area, for example, the city conducted a survey in 2019-2022. Now, a final concept has been approved and the area will be redesigned by 2026.
Relation between efforts undertaken and benefits achieved: The Urban Cycle Route vision did not only put forward a new cycling network (‘where?’), but also a new mindset regarding future-proof cycling networks (‘how?’ and ‘what?’). Building on the motto ‘less speed, more city’, Bruges set course to a more intuitive and comfortable cycling network that respects the city’s rich historical and natural characteristics. In short, the efforts undertaken will bring benefits for years to come.
What was done and how: After identifying the need to improve cycling safety around the historical city centre, the city of Bruges commissioned a project team to develop a ring road corridor strategy in line with Flemish cycle highway standards. This team consisted of landscape architecture firm West 8 (NL), traffic engineers Vectris (BE), and a cycling consultancy firm Copenhagenize Design Co. (DK). This team soon questioned the ring road corridor approach, arguing that greater focus should be placed on the overall connectivity and integration of the city-wide cycling network. Thus, the project’s focus shifted from the ring road (FR30) to a more holistic ‘Stadsfietsroute’, or Urban Cycle Route. By integrating on-street and green corridors, the proposed Urban Cycle Route allows Bruges to exploit new opportunities in opening up the city for cyclists as well as to connect previously disconnected spaces through bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. The result will be a win-win situation for cyclists and the city at large.
Why it worked to 'fast track' the innovation/measure: Participation in the CIVITAS Handshake project, featuring an exploratory survey and multiple immersive symposia, lifted the project to new heights. It turned the Urban Cycle Route into a true urban renewal project instead of merely a traffic project.
Lessons learnt:
* Cycling planning is not just traffic planning. Cycling energizes a city and completes city life. It impacts both flows (or traffic) and places.
* There is no use in trying to become the next Copenhagen/Amsterdam/… Cities should write their own story by analysing their DNA and tapping into their demographic, historical and natural features.
* Do not underestimate the power of storytelling: visualise the change you want to see (e.g. through Photoshop). Action speaks louder than words.
* Exchanges with national and international cycling experts proved beneficial.
* Make links with current and future urban renewal projects. Bolster strategic alliances to ensure a strong and integrated plan.
Tips for replication:
* Take time to get the project definition right.
* Be critical. Be aware of your own biases.
* Do not mix up means and objectives. Cycling lanes are just one way of creating a cycling city.
* Trust in the process, even if this entails a leap in the dark. The challenge and the objectives suffice as a solid compass, especially when surrounded by a transdisciplinary team.
Sources or links:
