Ronse Launches 12.5 km Cycling Route for People with Disabilities

Ronse (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Ronse launched a 12.5-kilometre accessible cycling route with gradients up to 10%. David Talloen and Dagmar Beernaert highlighted features for cyclists with disabilities and inclusive outdoor recreation in East Flanders.

As VRT News reported, Ronse, in the province of East Flanders, Belgium, has opened a new cycling route that is both accessible and challenging. The 12.5-kilometre loop was built to meet the growing demand for inclusive cycling paths. The route is suitable for people with disabilities, including those using wheelchair-accessible bikes and handcycles. The roads are fully paved.

“For the real sporty types, there is a 10% incline.” 

David Talloen, project coordinator for accessible tourism, Tourism East Flanders

What makes Ronse’s 12.5 km cycling route accessible for people with disabilities?

Normally, bike paths stay around 4% gradients. This path has sections that reach 6%, with the steepest parts having a 10% option for extra challenge. David Tallon, the project expert, says the path is designed for individuals to ride at their own personal level.

The province of East Flanders recommends that cyclists ride the new Ronse loop in a counterclockwise direction. David Talloen explained that one part of the route has a steep descent of 8%.

“If you go the other way, you must climb it, which is harder,”

he said. A separate section has a 10% gradient. Bright blue signs mark this part to guide riders safely. 

“There’s parking here,”

says tourism alderman Gunther Deriemaker (Vooruit-Groen).

“We’ll also provide a modified bicycle that visitors can borrow. As a city, we believe it’s important to be accessible to everyone.”

The new route starts at Hoge Mote. East Flanders is expanding its network of accessible outdoor trails. Provincial Executive Member Dagmar Beernaert (Vooruit) said new challenging paths are being added for cyclists and hikers.

“We are also exploring adapted walking paths in forests for off-road wheelchairs,”

she said.

East Flanders has been developing cycling routes that are accessible to people with disabilities for several years. In 2020, the province opened the Het Leen Cycling Route. The 26.7-kilometre route travels across Het Leen, Lembeek Forest, the Schipdonk Canal, and the Lieve River, which is Flanders’ oldest canal.

New paths for cyclists and hikers were also added this year by the province. Provincial Executive Member Dagmar Beernaert (Vooruit) stated that some of the new forest paths allow for the use of off-road wheelchairs.

Eurotoday is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective,


Comments

12 responses to “Ronse Launches 12.5 km Cycling Route for People with Disabilities”

  1. DreadSherX Avatar

    Just what we needed, a 12.5 km cycling route with a 10% gradient – perfect for the ‘adventurers’ among us who enjoy a little bit of sweat with their scenic views. 🚴‍♂️ Can’t wait to see the wheelchairs flying up those hills! 😂

  2. Romance Princess Avatar
    Romance Princess

    A 12.5 km cycling route for those “challenged” by life – because who doesn’t want to sweat while having the lovely view of an 8% incline? 🎢 Just what we needed, a scenic route where you can compete with your own personal Everest! 🚴‍♂️💨

  3. Marigold Loot Avatar
    Marigold Loot

    So, who wouldn’t want to tackle a 10% incline while enjoying the great outdoors? Nothing says “inclusivity” like a lovely uphill workout—bon courage, mates! 🚴‍♂️💪

  4. Finally, a cycling route that really challenges the “disabled” label—because who doesn’t want a steep incline when they’re just trying to enjoy a leisurely ride? 🚴‍♂️💨

  5. Right, because nothing says “inclusive” quite like a 10% incline for a leisurely ride. Hope the wheelchairs come with a turbo boost! 🚴‍♂️💨

  6. Just what we needed—a 12.5 km cycling route with a 10% incline for “challenging” riding. Because nothing screams inclusivity like a steep hill that could make even a seasoned cyclist reconsider their choices. 🚴‍♂️😅

  7. Cycling uphill at a 10% gradient with a disability? Quite the Olympic event, innit? 🚴‍♂️ Just what we needed—more ways to sweat while going for a leisurely ride! 😂

  8. old man winter Avatar
    old man winter

    Just what we needed, a 12.5 km cycling route with a 10% incline for the adventurous souls among us—because nothing says ‘inclusive’ like a good sweat! 🚴‍♂️💦 Next, let’s open a hiking trail with a few cliffs for that extra thrill, shall we? 😏

  9. Gas Man Avatar

    Just what we needed, a 12.5 km uphill struggle disguised as a cycling route for folks with disabilities. Bravo, Ronse! 😂 Hope they’ve got a decent coffee shop at the top for those who dare to tackle that 10% incline! ☕️🚴‍♂️

  10. hedgeh0g2 Avatar
    hedgeh0g2

    Oh splendid, a 12.5 km cycling route with a delightful 10% incline—just what we needed for a leisurely jaunt! Who doesn’t love a bit of cardio while navigating a path designed for inclusivity? 🚴‍♂️💨

  11. chuckles Avatar

    A 12.5 km cycling route for people with disabilities? Brilliant! Because nothing screams accessibility like a 10% incline—truly a gentle stroll in the park, eh? 🚴‍♂️💨

  12. Bleeker Avatar

    Finally, a cycling route for the adventurous souls with disabilities! Nothing says “fun” like a 10% incline after the coffee break, eh? 🚴‍♂️💨

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