The popularity of cycling as a means of transportation gained significant momentum in Luxembourg starting in 2020, particularly with the advent of electric bikes. In response to the pressing need for safe and interconnected routes, hundreds of cyclists gathered in Luxembourg City on Saturday as part of the Safe Cycling Now initiative.
Taking advantage of the pleasant 28-degree weather, participants aimed to draw attention to their cause just one day before the elections.
Although considerable progress has been made in recent years, such as the establishment of a cycle path along the tram and infrastructural enhancements in Limpertsberg and under the Adolphe Bridge, many cyclists feel that bicycles have yet to become a commonplace mode of transportation for most individuals.
Consequently, they argue that their needs are often overlooked.
“Cars frequently neglect the presence of bikes, especially when making right turns. I’ve narrowly avoided accidents on multiple occasions due to this issue,” one cyclist shared.
“Our goal is to make Luxembourg City just a little bit safer for cyclists. We cycle a lot during the summer, but the traffic makes many streets dangerous for us,” expressed another participant.
“While progress is being made, the cycling network remains highly fragmented, making it easy to lose track of designated lanes,” added another cyclist.
The demands of the protesters are clear: they seek safer connections, particularly in urban areas, and a mobility policy that aligns with present requirements.
Monique Goldschmit, President of the ProVelo association, firmly believes that the development of sustainable mobility cannot be halted, particularly in the capital. “People have embraced cycling and recognised its potential to enhance their quality of life,” Goldschmit asserted.
Record numbers on Luxembourg’s roads
Luxembourg has experienced a significant surge in cycling, with the number of bicycles counted in the capital alone increasing by 36% from 2021 to 2022, surpassing the one-million mark for the first time.
Additionally, the vel’Oh bike-sharing service recorded an unprecedented 7 million kilometres ridden in and around Luxembourg City in 2022.
“To address this growing demand, we urgently require professional cycle infrastructure planners, not only in Luxembourg City but also throughout the country,” explained Monique Goldschmit. “The municipality [of Luxembourg City] has the means to employ specialised planners. For the past few decades, our focus has been on optimising car traffic, but now we must prioritise cycling,” she stressed.
Many of the existing bicycle lanes in Luxembourg City are still shared with pedestrians or lack clear markings when running adjacent to each other. Given the increasing number of cyclists, this arrangement often proves inadequate.
Cyclists are hopeful that substantial improvements will be made after the elections.
Full report by RTL Télé (in Luxembourgish)
