26 Jun '17

This way please: The best and worst cycle routes in Belgium

Summary

De Standaard asked its readers to submit photographs of the best and worst cycle routes in the country. They obliged

 

Through the house, over the tree

Video posted to YouTube, Facebook and the like have often shown the perils of cycling. Those taking to two wheels often have to avoid hazards like parked cars, loose cobblestones and the occasional cycle lane that runs straight into a tree.

But De Standaard is trying to do something to improve the situation. It recently launched a competition inviting readers to send in photographs of the best and worst cycle routes in the country. The photos piled in.

The prize for the most attractive cycle lane went to the former mining town of Genk for its Reinpadstraat – a broad three-kilometre path that carefully separates cyclists from a busy main road. 

Meanwhile, the jury decided the worst cycle lane in the country was a positively surreal route in Asse, Flemish Brabant, that runs straight into the side of a house. Asse’s city councillor for mobility in Asse told De Standaard that the route could only be improved by demolishing the house.

Now read this

Flemish cycling

Flemish cyclists have played a dominant role in the history of European bicycle racing. With the Ronde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders), the region also has a classic cycle race.
Flandriens - The legendary pioneers of the Flemish cycling tradition are called “Flandriens”. They include Roger De Vlaeminck, Eddy Planckaert, Johan Museeuw and Walter Godefroot.
Eddy Merckx - Having won 525 races in his career, Brusselaar Eddy Merckx, nicknamed “the Cannibal”, is considered one of the greatest cyclists of all time.
Trophy - The annual Flandrien Trophy honours the best Belgian cyclist of the past season. Professional cyclists choose and vote for the nominees.
5

number of times Merckx won the Tour de France

1 913

first Tour of Flanders

1 969

Merckx becomes first Belgian to win the Tour de France in 30 years

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