De Lijn investigates how to make tram tracks safer in Ghent

The joints in Ghent’s tramlines – where two lines come together or overlap – are larger than they are in other cities, and there are also large gaps between the rails and the bedding. The situation has long been hazardous for cyclists, who also deal with a huge amount of smooth cobblestones that become extremely slippery when it rains.

“The tram tracks can be difficult,” admitted alderman for mobility Filip Watteeuw. “You need to have some cycling experience to get around in Ghent.”

Cyclists are being considered in new tram projects, like the conversion of bus routes 7 and 3, due to start in 2018 and 2020 respectively. “We’ve planned a cycle path 1.75-metres wide alongside the tracks where possible,” Watteeuw said. “Although that won’t always be an option. In those cases we will direct people to alternative cycle routes.”

De Lijn wants to improve the existing tracks, but “we first need to look at what systems are available on the market,” a spokesperson said. Another alternative suggested by the Cyclists’ Union is to put down single tracks for use by trams travelling in both directions, based on some systems in the Netherlands.

Photo courtesy gentblogt.be