The Left Bank cycle network has been officially completed, providing cyclists in the Antwerp region with over 16 kilometers of safe routes alongside motorways. This project, which includes the final missing section of the Linkeroever-Beveren-Kruibeke-Zwijndrecht route, was inaugurated on Wednesday. It marks a significant milestone for cycling infrastructure in Flanders and contributes to more sustainable mobility.
What is happening
The completion of the Left Bank cycle network is a reality. This long-awaited final section of the route creates a seamless connection linking the municipalities of Beveren, Kruibeke, and Zwijndrecht with the Left Bank of Antwerp. The project aims to create safe passages for cyclists, separated from the busy car traffic on the motorways. The new infrastructure is part of a larger plan to make the entire Antwerp Ring accessible to cyclists in the future. For the Antwerp region, this means a significant improvement in daily commuting options and recreational routes.
Enhanced cycling safety on the Left Bank and provincial transport
This network contributes to increased cycling safety and promotes sustainable mobility in the province of Antwerp. Investments in cycle paths are a priority for local and regional authorities, given the growing popularity of cycling as a mode of transport for short and medium distances. In line with the Regional vision, championed by the Agency for Roads and Traffic, this infrastructure is intended to promote modal shift.
Antwerp province reported a 15% increase in cycling for commuting in 2023 compared to 2019, highlighting the necessity of such investments. Statbel confirms this trend: the share of cycling in commuting nationally rose from 14% in 2018 to 18% in 2022.
Background
Plans for the expansion and improvement of cycling infrastructure around Antwerp date back several years. The Ringpark West, of which this cycle network is an essential component, aims to green and recreationally develop the area around the Antwerp Ring. The realization of this final section of the Left Bank cycle network aligns with a broader vision to improve the liveability and mobility in this densely populated region. Involved parties such as the Agency for Roads and Traffic and De Werkvennootschap have actively contributed to the planning and implementation. This collaboration between Flemish government entities demonstrates the coordinated approach to major infrastructure projects.
Furthermore, the federal government, through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, has allocated funds for the promotion of sustainable mobility, including projects that strengthen cycling infrastructure. This specific project aligns with efforts made at both local and federal levels to reduce CO2 emissions and improve public health. The National Bank of Belgium (NBB), in its 2023 annual report, emphasized that investments in sustainable infrastructure are crucial for long-term economic growth and well-being.
What this means for Belgium
The completion of the Left Bank cycle network has broader implications for mobility in Belgium. It exemplifies how integrated infrastructure projects can contribute to a more sustainable society. For the residents of Antwerp, Beveren, Kruibeke, and Zwijndrecht, this specifically means more opportunities for environmentally friendly commuting and recreation. This type of investment aligns with national objectives to encourage cycling and increase road safety.
According to HLN Antwerpen:
“In time, the entire Antwerp Ring will also be accessible by bicycle.”
This project supports the Flemish government's ambition to create an extensive network of functional cycle paths throughout the region. The 2030 Climate Plan, developed by the federal government in collaboration with the regions, underscores the necessity of such initiatives to achieve climate goals. The Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) has repeatedly highlighted the impact of vehicular traffic on air quality, emphasizing the urgency of alternative modes of transport. These investments not only contribute to a greener future but also enhance the quality of life for Belgian citizens.