CIVINET Czech and Slovak Republics explores active mobility in Leuven and Mechelen

In May 2024, 12 members of CIVINET Czech and Slovak Republics embarked on a three-day study tour to the Belgian cities of Leuven and Mechelen to get inspired and share ideas and examples of how urban life quality can be improved through the promotion of cycling and sustainable mobility. Mobiel 21 and CIVINET.BE also supported the organisation of this informative and inspiring event.

The event kicked-off in Leuven, a city with a population of around 100,000 and situated just 25 kilometers east of Brussels. After a warm welcome, representatives of the city presented Leuven’s climate neutrality goals and mobility policies. In return, the Czech and Slovak study tour participants presented their cities, as well as the cities' successes and challenges in the field of mobility. The afternoon programme concluded with a site visit during which participants got a chance to see high-quality and connected infrastructure and facilities for cyclists, and the city's circulation plan in action; all essential elements for a city where cycling accounts for more than 40% of downtown traffic and commuting.

On the second day, the study tour continued in the nearby Mechelen, where participants embarked on a walking tour that focused on the city's cycling policy, advocacy for changes in transport organisation, transport integration, and the city’s plans and strategies for the future. The day also included a bike tour, which allowed participants to view mobility in and around the city through the eyes of Mechelen's citizens.

On the third day, the study tour returned to Leuven, where presentations were given on charging infrastructure, shared mobility and useful tools to engage residents in collecting traffic data. This was followed by site visits, which provided valuable insights on public space improvements and the possibility of measuring the effectiveness of implemented temporary or permanent measures through the tools presented earlier. 

The efforts of Leuven and Mechelen in promoting active mobility and climate neutrality serve to inspire other cities that aim to enhance their urban mobility and quality of life. The knowledge shared during the study tour will motivate the continued efforts of Czech and Slovak cities towards sustainable mobility.

The efforts of Leuven and Mechelen in promoting active mobility and climate neutrality serve as exemplary models for other cities seeking to improve urban mobility and quality of life and the lessons learned during the study tour will undoubtedly motivate participants to further efforts towards sustainable mobility in Czech and Slovak urban areas.

Author: CIVINET Czech and Slovak Republics

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