Cyclists petition return of Carrefour bike parking

TERVUREN – Cyclists in Tervuren have launched a petition calling for the reinstatement of bike racks in front of the local Carrefour. The ten-space bicycle parking area on Hoornzeelstraat abruptly disappeared in late February to make way for a car parking space. Flemish liberal mayor Thomas Geyns says convenient car parking is vital for local business.

Local business is pleased too. “People who come by car buy more. And they now have a shorter distance to carry their groceries,” Carrefour Express’ manager told the VRT. “And elderly people who have difficulty walking and need to come by car now find parking more easily,” says Au Flan Breton, often graced by Tervuren’s Prince Laurent and his various vehicles.

People who come by car buy more.

“The bicycle is part of the solution, not the problem. Every extra bike means one less car on the road,” claims Fietsersbond Tervuren’s Gui Pleysier. The fervent cyclist points out that the only alternative bike parking is located at the far end of the street. And the alternative is often filled with bicycles belonging to children from the Steinerschool and local residents.

©Tervuren+ The new alternative bike parking is located at the far end of the street. Local cyclists claim the alternative is often filled with bicycles belonging to children from the Steinerschool and local residents.

Fietsersbond Tervuren is also urging residents to shop at Carrefour by bicycle at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 8. “The more bikes, the greater the fun! Together, we can make a difference,” says Pleysier.

Reclaiming a single car parking space for bikes is politically challenging. With Tervuren’s 13,000 registered vehicles, parking is one of the hottest issues for the town’s 23,077 residents, especially in narrow streets. Paid parking has gradually expanded since 2014 from De Markt throughout the center of Tervuren.

“Short and convenient parking for quick stops must remain possible in Tervuren. This is important for local businesses,” 29-year-old Geyns told frustrated cyclists on Facebook.

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Tags: cycling