Mechelen Upgrades 50 km of Cycle Paths Using 3D Scanning Car

Mechelen (Eurotoday) – The city of Mechelen is employing a specialized 3D scanning car to inspect 50 kilometres of cycling paths for potential damage, in a bid to enhance cycling safety. Spearheaded by Alexander Vandersmissen, the initiative is part of a larger European project aiming to improve urban cycling infrastructure.

As reported by VRT News, Mechelen is launching this innovative project to make its bike path network safer and more efficient. The city is deploying a custom-designed car equipped with 3D scanning technology that will travel over roughly 50 kilometres of bicycle infrastructure. Along the way, it will capture detailed images to create a precise 3D model of the cycling surfaces.

Alexander Vandersmissen, head of mobility, explained that this advanced method will provide the city with a current and accurate overview of the paths, enabling quicker identification and repair of issues such as cracks and wear before they worsen. This proactive approach is expected to significantly boost safety for cyclists.

How is Mechelen using 3D scanning cars to improve bike paths?

This initiative is part of a broader European campaign to make cycling more appealing and secure in urban environments. Because cycling is popular in Mechelen, the city is adopting cutting-edge tools to upgrade its infrastructure. The specially designed car—developed in Belgium—features 3D scanners and cameras that capture physical imperfections in the bike paths as it drives.

The vehicle identifies issues such as cracks and uneven surfaces, as well as areas where the ground may have subsided. This high-resolution mapping helps city planners precisely determine where maintenance is needed. Smaller irregularities that might reduce comfort during a ride are also detected, ensuring a smoother experience for cyclists.

Officials believe this technology will make it easier to prioritize improvements and maintain safer, more enjoyable cycling routes. The effort represents an ongoing extension of Mechelen’s contribution to a larger European strategy focused on promoting sustainable urban transport.

Filip Geuens of XenomatiX, the company behind the scanning technology, commented:

“We will not only see defects, but also things that make cycling uncomfortable, such as unevenness.”

The system used in Mechelen is adapted from technology traditionally used to monitor roadway conditions. For this project, it has been optimized specifically for bike paths. The custom-built car is smaller and more stable than its highway counterparts, equipped with four wheels and pedal assistance to navigate cycle lanes while collecting data efficiently.