Deurne (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Rivierenhof park in Deurne launched a campaign led by Provincial Executive Mireille Colson (N-VA) to slow 5,000+ daily cyclists, using signage, ground markings, patrols, and reflective slapwraps.
As VRT News reported, a new campaign has started in Rivierenhof Park in Deurne to encourage cyclists to slow down and be more considerate of pedestrians. Provincial Executive Mireille Colson (N-VA) said the campaign comes after repeated complaints from visitors. She explained that the playground and the castle with its terrace are next to a wide avenue where cyclists often ride very fast.
“With this campaign, we want to make it clear that pedestrians have the right of way everywhere in the park,”
Colson said.
“We also want to encourage courtesy and safer behaviour among cyclists.”
How is Rivierenhof Deurne campaign slowing 5,000+ cyclists daily?
Figures from the province of Antwerp show that the park can get very busy. On some days, more than 5,000 cyclists pass through the Sterckshof area. They mentioned that it is a place where large numbers of pedestrians and cyclists meet and cross paths.
“The Rivierenhof has recently become the city’s largest pedestrian zone. Cyclists are, of course, welcome to continue using all roads, but in busy areas, we ask that you please reduce your speed,”
says Colson.
All access roads in Rivierenhof park have new ground markings to show that cyclists are guests. Several signs have also been installed throughout the park to encourage slower riding and respect for pedestrians. From now until the end of March 2026, park rangers will patrol the area to remind cyclists to control their speed.
As part of the campaign, cyclists who ride courteously will receive “slapwraps.” These reflective bands can be worn on the wrist or ankle to improve visibility in traffic. On the first day of the campaign, most cyclists stopped or slowed when approached by rangers, but some visitors on electric bikes continued at high speed.
Provincial Executive Mireille Colson (N-VA) said the campaign focuses on awareness and safety.
“We will continue reminding cyclists about their behaviour and encourage courteous riding,”
she said.
“Further action will only be taken if necessary.”
“I think the biggest problem is with electric bikes and mopeds,”
said one of the cyclists who stopped.
“Hopefully, they’ll also see the markings on the ground and ride more slowly through the park.”
Similar projects have been carried out in Belgium to make parks safer for pedestrians. In 2022, the city of Ghent started a campaign in busy parks and city squares to slow down cyclists and encourage courtesy. The initiative included new signs, ground markings, and patrols to remind cyclists of pedestrian rights. In 2021, Antwerp ran a pilot project in Harmoniepark with reflective bands and awareness measures to improve safety.
