Flemish Cycling Policy
We need an ambitious cycling policy that can manage and sustain the rise in the use of bicycles in Flanders. For example, by 2040, we want the Flemish people to spontaneously choose the bicycle for short to medium trips, we want 30% of trips to be made by bicycle, we want there to be no more cycling fatalities on the roads and we want a smooth transition from cycling to other sustainable modes of transport. To achieve all this, we also seek inspiration from abroad.
Pillars of Flemish Cycling Policy
- Stap 1
Pillar 1 – Improving cycling infrastructure
Flanders’ primary network of supralocal functional cycling infrastructure is the Supralocal Functional Cycling Route Network (BFF). The BFF is an envisioned network that links significant centres and attraction hubs across Flanders. The network’s backbone is made up of bicycle highways.
- Stap 2
Pillar 2 – The bicycle as a link in combined mobility
Cycling can play a key role in advancing sustainable mobility in Flanders, even for longer trips. The bicycle can effectively complement public transport or car travel for the first and/or final leg of a journey, using a (shared) bike for these segments.
- Stap 3
Pillar 3 – Cycling safely
Encouraging safe road behaviour helps advance our goal of Vision Zero. Accordingly, we prioritise targeted awareness and broad education to promote safe participation in complex traffic.
- Stap 4
Pillar 4 – The Flemish cycling mindset
Flanders can take pride in its cycling culture, encompassing sport, leisure, and everyday cycling. The bicycle is deeply embedded in our culture, used for trips of all kinds and lengths. An important part of this master plan is therefore to further promote the cycling mindset and to increase support for all forms of cycling in Flanders.
- Stap 5
Pillar 5 – Cycling as part of the Flemish economy and innovation
The electrification of the bicycle and its positive effects on increasing cycling usage demonstrate that innovation has a significant impact on bicycle trips in Flanders. In recent years, Flanders has emerged as a frontrunner in smart mobility and intelligent traffic systems.
Bicycle Master Plan
Bike to tomorrow
At the Flemish level, the 2040 objective will be realised step-by-step and in close coordination with all partners involved. Instead of stagnating, we must keep moving forward. All best practices and experiences from abroad are welcome for this purpose. As a guiding country in cycling, we also like to share our own expertise with international partners.