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1/5 Councillor John Geven talks about the new fast cycle lane (Photo: Alice van der Plas)
It was supposed to be a festive party on Wednesday, with the opening of a section of the beautiful, wide, fast cycle path between Helmond and Eindhoven. But the city government did not anticipate the fury of the local residents. They demonstrated at the opening because they were not confident of a good result. “It’s also about our safety.”
A fast cycle path between Helmond and Eindhoven has been a topic of discussion and a real headache for years. For a long time, this ambitious project ended simply in a meadow outside Helmond. A large part of the path to Nuenen had already been built. But now that’s where it ends. Cyclists have to cross the track to continue. This is possible in both transitions and dangerous, according to Nuenen city council members.
Councillor John Geven finds it odd that part of the cycle path is already open. “The city expects 2,000 cyclists a day to ride along this route. It’s just waiting for an accident to happen,” he says. “Accidents have happened here before. The fact that this railway crossing is among the 40 most dangerous crossings in the Netherlands, with 2,600 in total, is saying something.”
“You can already see people crossing the tracks diagonally”
“Anyone with common sense would agree that this is a dangerous situation,” said Judith Tesser of the VVD. “My only concern is: how do we prevent accidents in that spot.” There are reports that the situation is safe. “But this does not include human behavior. You can already see cyclists crossing the track diagonally. Or if the rail barriers are removed, people can still pass quickly.”
The problem is that the last part of the route cannot be built because the Eindhoven municipality still needs to buy the land. Some people are against it, including a farmer who does not want to be bought out and has made his request to the Council of State. As a result, this part of the cycle route may not be completed until at least 2026.
Local residents are angry about the fast bike lane. They feel the plan has been “forced down their throats”. The fast bike lane is close to backyards and residents are worried they will no longer be able to park in front of their houses. “We’re worried about their safety and ours.”
“This road could have been much easier”
Councillor Monique Donkers, who has served on the committee for 21 years and is familiar with the long-standing dossier, said the entire rapid bike route was “a monstrosity”. “The route could have been easier but it can’t be reversed.”
Council members were not greeted when the express bike route opened on Wednesday. “Yes, it was clearly stated in the email that councillors were not welcome, only invited guests,” Councillor Girvan said with surprise. “Very special,” colleague Tonks said, “because as council members we had already made a decision on this.”
“At least five independent agencies have studied these plans.”
Newnan City Council said a vast majority of council members have approved the plan. “Everything has been considered and much discussion has taken place about the safety of the crossing,” the city wrote in its response. “At least five independent agencies have reviewed the plans. Not only on paper, but on the ground. Second opinions have been requested. And in every report, the crossing has been assessed as safe.”
It’s not just the train tracks that local residents consider dangerous. Part of the route has now been rerouted through industrial areas. “Entrepreneurs are loading and unloading goods there, and forklifts are driving around,” a resident described. “This means an additional 2,000 vulnerable road users every day.”
The city said it would keep a close eye on safety. “If problems arise, we will take additional measures.” The city still hopes the bike lane will be completed by 2026.
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The fast cycle path between Helmond and Eindhoven ends in a meadow
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