2 July 2014
Cycling in Belgium a world of difference
Transform Scotland research assistant John Webster reports from his Belgian cycle tour
A Cycle Trip to Belgium - a world of a differenceI've just come back from a ten day cycle tour in Belgium. There were five of us and we took our bikes on the ferry to Zeebrugge then made a circular tour by way of Ypres, Oudenaarde, Ghent and Bruges -- all lovely cities, despite the massive destruction of Ypres during WW1.
Cycling over there is sheer pleasure, with well-signed short and long distance routes in abundance. Many of the routes are traffic-free, well maintained, and well used. Visiting the cities is also a pleasure, with cycle paths making the journey safe and pleasant and, what a joy, extensive pedestrianisation in the city centres. What a contrast to Scottish cities, which tend to be heavily congested, noisy and fume-laden. Yet, the city centres are very lively, with locals and tourists flocking to shops and cafes. Can it really be true, as we are often told in Edinburgh, for example, that keeping traffic out of the centre would ruin the shops?
Another noticeable feature of cycling in Belgium is the fact that the cyclist has priority over the car driver in many ways. For example, at T-junctions, the markings give priority to cyclists and cars stop as halt lines until the cyclist has crossed the road. I suspect that the law also gives the cyclist enhanced protection because car drivers tend to be very careful not to cut up cyclists on the road and hold back rather than overtaking at narrow or busy sections.
The cost of repairs also seems very reasonable despite one being told that Belgium is an expensive country to visit. One of my friends needed a spoke replaced, the wheel tuned, and a new inner tube. This was done straight away at a cycle shop for the princely sum of 10 Euros (about £8.50).
Belgium, certainly in this area, is ideal for cycling because the country is gently undulating, which makes cycling relatively effortless and a pleasure. Long sections are along rivers and canals, passing through lovely countryside and attractive villages. It also seems a very prosperous land with nice well-maintained houses in every area. The Ypres area was of course the scene of very heavy fighting during WW1 as is evident from the large number of war cemeteries and memorials observed during the tour. Bruges is, of course, a gem of a mediaeval city but Ghent is also very attractive with some fine buildings, including the wonderfully preserved C12th Gravensteen Castle, right in the middle of the city with a tram running past!
