Ghent (Eurotoday): De Lijn is testing new safety measures for cyclists near tram tracks in Ghent, where 500 accidents happen annually. The plan includes adding anti-slip coatings and redesigning tracks to make cycling safer, especially in bad weather. Alderman Filip Watteeuw is leading this effort.
In mid-October, De Lijn began tests to improve safety for cyclists near tram tracks. Cyclists can easily get stuck in the grooves of the tracks, especially when turning or crossing at an angle. This risk is even greater in rainy weather when tracks and manhole covers become slippery. To help prevent accidents, the city is considering redesigning tram track areas, enhancing maintenance, and adding anti-slip coatings or textured surfaces in key spots.
What measures is De Lijn implementing to improve cyclist safety near tram tracks?
It has been said that this initiative is part of a bigger plan to improve safety for cyclists on streets that have tramlines. The testing phase helps the authorities check how effective these safety measures are in reducing accidents before they are applied more widely in the city. By targeting these high-risk areas, De Lijn aims to make cycling safer and decrease the number of falls and injuries related to the tram system, especially during bad weather.
De Lijn is making metal surfaces rougher by adding an anti-slip layer to help cyclists grip better. The first tests were successful, so they expanded the project to nearby streets. However, Demerling said there isn’t enough money or time to do this all over Ghent. They are also looking for other ways to stop falls on tram tracks, as at least 500 people are injured each year from them.
Comments
One response to “De Lijn Trials Safety Initiatives to Curb 500 Cyclist Accidents Annually in Ghent”
-
Oh splendid! Just what we needed—more anti-slip coatings to help cyclists navigate our charming tram tracks like it’s some kind of obstacle course. 🍷 Next they’ll be adding a “Cyclist’s Survival Guide” to the tram map! 😂
Last News
EU Commissioner Travels to Budapest for Annual Pride Event
Belgium’s EU commissioner will take part in Budapest Pride 2026 this weekend, which serves as one of Central Europe’s most politically significant LGBTQ+ resistance events.
During her visit the Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib will also meet members of the new Hungarian Government and Parliament.
In 2025, at least 350,000 marched in the “banned” 30th Bu
Enforcement of EU Sanctions in Practice
This gap between political decision and pract
Policymakers Encouraged to Include Roma in Ukraine’s Reconstruction Plans
Lawmakers have been urged to ensure that reconstruction efforts “reach all Ukrainians affected by Russia’s war, including Roma families who remain largely excluded from compensation and recovery mechanisms.”
The demand was made by the Roma Foundation for Europe, a leading advocate for Roma rights. This is timed to coincide with a meeting of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Poland this week.
T
Tabernacle Choir Shines as Beacon of Hope at Hollywood Bowl Return
Serbian President Vučić says he will resign within ‘weeks’
Ireland set to assume its eighth EU presidency
Ireland will take on one of the European Union’s most influential roles when it assumes the presidency next week.
Its term at the helm of the EU runs from 1 July to 31 December and comes amid much uncertainty, including multiple wars and ongoing talks about the EU’s long term budget.
Helen McEntee, Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, said, “This Presidency is not just about meetings an
Intensifying Hunger Threatens Millions with Famine in 13 Global Hotspots
Sudan, South Sudan, Yemen, and Palestine remain the most critical hotspots, while Nigeria and Somalia have moved into the highest-risk category amid g
Ukrainian Missiles Hit Russian Defense Plant, Zelenskyy Reports
Andrey Bocharov, governor of Volgograd region, verified the attack on Tele
CPMR Embraces "Committed European Vision for Islands"
The first-ever EU Strategy for Islands has been greeted as an “important political milestone for Europe’s maritime territories.”
The initiatives, which also include an EU Strategy for Resilient, Prosperous and Liveable Coastal Communities, have been advocated by the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions, CPMR, and its Islands Commission.
They establish, for the first time, dedicated European
EU Message Scanning Initiative Rekindles Privacy Debate
Member states seek to revive a temporary child-safety tool after Parliament rejected the measure in March
EU governments are working to revive a temporary legal framework that allows messaging providers to detect child sexual abuse material, revisiting the sensitive issue of balancing child protection, private communications, and power between the Council and the European Parliament.
EU ambassad
Leave a Reply