Whether it is small cycle paths in the north of Luxembourg or major projects in the capital, non-profit ProVelo welcomes every initiative that leads to greater safety and convenience for cyclists. Three express cycle routes are currently being planned to link major towns in the Grand Duchy, including Bettembourg and Luxembourg City.
According to ProVelo, we should think bigger when it comes to developing these cycle paths. Priority over the road is considered an important point for these express links, according to ProVelo vice president Philipe Herkrath:"It’s something we see abroad, often express cycle links get priority at junctions with smaller lanes. That’s what we’d like here too.”
The safety of cyclists is another important aspect for ProVelo. “Mixed traffic” - roads where bikes and pedestrians have to share the road - has been reduced by 15 km in recent years. However, for ProVelo, bikes and motorised vehicles also need to be kept as separate as possible.
Herkrath argues: “Redistribute the road space, look at whether we should remove a traffic lane in certain places and replace it with a bi-directional cycle path, which should ideally be on a higher level. This is something we see a lot abroad, security through bollards, flower boxes, or other things that prevent cars from parking or driving there.”
As elections are also at the heart of discussions for ProVelo, they have drawn up a programme of demands. Apart from highlighting the importance of cycling in today’s traffic, the organisation also hopes that the necessary resources will be given to develop the national networks and that the whole process will move forward rapidly.
Although fewer cycle paths have been developed in recent years, the association has noted progress in terms of communication between the various actors involved.
