Brussels, (Brussels Morning)- There are more and more cyclists and steppers in the city. That is why the Brussels public transport company STIB is launching a campaign for cyclists and scooters to be more vigilant and to respect the traffic rules for more safety for everyone.
According to a report by BRUZZ, the number of accidents between a STIB bus or tram and a bicycle, scooter or other short-distance means of transport went from 55 in 2020 to 62 in 2021. “A figure that is all in all limited if you consider that 1,250 buses and trams cross the streets of Brussels every day and cyclists and scooters are increasingly numerous in the city,” STIB explains. “Yet every accident is one too many, and it can especially have serious consequences.”
That is why STIB is launching an awareness campaign to remind people of the importance of respecting traffic rules and to call for vigilance. “Good cooperation should be based on mutual respect. Waiting, letting someone go ahead or making a sign to thank the other is always appreciated”, says Gaëtan Deckers, risk & safety manager at the bus.
Braking distance and blind spots
The STIB points out, among other things, the braking distance of a tram and the blind spot of a bus. “Our drivers are made aware of the speed at which steppers and cyclists approach, which is much higher than that of pedestrians. The tram is a rail vehicle that, despite the anticipation of our drivers, has a greater braking distance than a vehicle on wheels. Cyclists and steppers from their side should realise that they are not always visible from the driver’s seat of our vehicles, which are much higher,” said Amal Kammachi, risk & safety manager at the tram.
The campaign is also about the metro. Riding a scooter in a metro station is dangerous and strictly prohibited for everyone’s safety. In the vehicles we remind you of the importance that a scooter is folded and stable. This way you prevent it from moving and/or moving while driving on the metro. or hinder or injure other travellers. Keep it close to you and don’t forget to hold on to the handles so that you don’t fall when the metro has to brake”, adds Amandine Tavernier, risk & safety manager at the metro.
The awareness campaign will take the form of posters on the buses and trams. In addition, images are distributed via social media. The visuals deliberately draw attention and show a scooter or bicycle stuck in a vehicle, with the slogan: “Don’t end up on this bus, give it right of way”.