“People live in many Duffelse streets in Rijhuizen or apartments without a garage or garden. It is not obvious for them to park their bikes safely and dry. Those who want to move by bike must also be able to park it in a safe way,” says Benjamin Van Wijnendaele (Groen Duffel). “In some streets you see that people are forced to put their bikes in the hallway, attach to a lamppost or even carry inside. That is not practical and discourages the use of the bicycle.”
According to Van Wijnendaele, the municipality has a role to play in supporting residents who have no place to park a bicycle. “Not everyone has a garage or garden. We have to ensure that the street also becomes a place where residents can leave their bikes safely. Certainly in densely built neighborhoods, the need is great.”
Groen Duffel proposes, among other things, to provide bicycle boxes or shared bicycle storage in the public domain in consultation with residents. “Other municipalities and cities such as Lier and Mechelen are already working with such solutions. Duffel does not have to invent the hot water, we can get perfect inspiration here.”
Finally, the city councilor proposes to start a pilot project in one or more streets. “Let us start in a place where the need is highest, together with the residents. This way we can check what works and later expand to other neighborhoods,” concludes Van Wijnendaele.
