10 years of Fietsberaad: "putting cyclists first"
Fietsberaad Vlaanderen is 10 years old. We asked programme manager Wout Baert five questions to highlight some highlights of the knowledge centre that is boosting cycling and cycling policy in Flanders (and beyond).
How does it feel to blow out 10 candles with Fietsberaad?
Very pleasing. And I also feel very proud of the journey we have taken with our team and all the authorities. Five years ago I was still thinking: now we really have to put ourselves on the map. And look, another 5 years later, we have succeeded quite well. In itself, this anniversary feels like a celebration not only for ourselves but all the more for everyone in the cycling world. In fact, I see Fietsberaad more as the oil in the wheels that makes everything run more smoothly. But there is definitely still stretch to what we can achieve. With even more return and input from the field.
What do the next 10 years look like?
You sometimes hear it said that all the low-hanging fruit has already been picked. But the definition of what low actually is seems to move up every year anyway. And that is a very good sign, because it means we are pushing boundaries and standards. A key focus for the coming years may be that we as a society should not simply consider all advances and improvements for cyclists as acquired. The lamentable example of Berlin where today, after years of investments and expansions for cycling, cycling infrastructure is again being removed. That is also where I see a role for Fietsberaad: to preserve and anchor. But all in all, I feel especially privileged to be in the middle of the cycling revolution on the ground.
What quick win should all municipalities implement as early as tomorrow?
I don't have to think about that for a second: introduce Zone 30. It is a high-impact, low-cost and highly efficient measure. It makes even more trips interesting to do by bike (and less advantageous by car). In an honourable 2nd place come bicycle streets and bicycle zones, especially in the city centres.
Download the new magazine FietsForward
Om haar tiende verjaardag te vieren, presenteert Fietsberaad Vlaanderen haar nieuwe publicatie: “FietsForward”. Je vindt er concrete inzichten, verhalen en inspiratie rond thema’s als verkeersveiligheid, gezondheid en een rechtvaardig fietsbeleid. Veel leesplezier.
Where has Fietsberaad's impact been greatest in recent years?
That is with the principle of Fix the Mix. We used to think about zone 30 around e.g. sports clubs or a school. But with Fix the Mix, we opened that up completely. In doing so, we created a very positive story, clear and realistically implementable for policymakers. Actually, with our elaborated model for mixed traffic, we were able to say to all municipalities: "do it, fix it!". We show that mixed traffic is a solution everywhere, both in cities and in rural areas. The Flemish Road Safety Prize we received in March is actually a shared prize with all road authorities. For they have shot into action in the field to put bicycles more prominently on the streets. I really appreciate all those efforts and measures because I know what a great effect they have.
What positive trends do you see for cycling?
The most positive is that cycling has become a truly European, even global, movement. I dare speak of a revolution that is changing the face of our cities and towns. And we in Flanders are fortunately also looking at countries with even more cyclists, the Netherlands or Denmark. We learn a huge amount from those. Which is not to say that we shouldn't also look at ourselves and be proud. We are certainly in the spotlight. Just look at Velo-city, the biggest cycling congress in the world, which is taking place in Ghent this year. Our cycling investments are also among the highest in Europe. In the field of cycling data, we play along with the big ones. And the EU cycling declaration was nicely approved under the Belgian presidency.
Of course, plenty of challenges remain. For instance, too little progress has been made in terms of bicycle parking. Bicycle parking should be an integral part of mobility plans. And partners like NMBS could really make a big leap forward by investing in more quality parking facilities.
A prediction: Will we succeed in achieving that modal split of 50/50 sustainable/car by 2030?
I believe we will. With a but ... Because to achieve that goal, we also have to upgrade public transport and bring it closer to the people. Now I notice that on the sustainable side of the modal split, a lot is about the bicycle. But we won't achieve it with that alone. Public transport also plays a very big role in getting people out of their cars.
Is cycling in our DNA?
Definitely. And how could it be otherwise? Cycling belongs to and is for everyone. It makes us happy. Consequently, if we provide good infrastructure and safe routes, people will almost automatically start cycling more. Ask any cyclist why he cycles and hundreds of good reasons will come up: more contact with the surroundings, discovering interesting places, nice encounters and chats. You find that the social aspect is a great strength of cycling. We are social creatures, it's in our DNA, so cycling as a social activity is ingrained in that too.
Do you have a question about cycling policy in Flanders?
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