Flemish Traffic Science Foundation (VSV) has named Mechelen the Cycling City of 2022. The prize, announced on Tuesday, recognises Mechelen’s commitment to safe cycling infrastructure.
According to a VSV news release, Mechelen stood out for the smooth bicycle connection between the south and the north of the city, extra underground bicycle parking in the city centre and Huis van de Fiets — a bicycle hub that provides everything from maintenance to bike rental.
“The efforts of many cities and municipalities to make cycling safer and more comfortable are to be commended,” said Lydia Peeters, Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works.
Other winners
The competition is divided into three categories based on population. Mechelen won the largest (more than 50,000 inhabitants), while Lommel and Peer were the winners of the other two categories.
A total of nine Flemish cities and municipalities were nominated by the general public earlier in the year. Cyclists could vote on their town and rank it in terms of cycling safety and comfort. Mechelen was up against Genk and Leuven in its category. After nominations, the cities were judged by a panel of experts based on their infrastructure and policy.
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Each winner receives a €50,000 prize from the Flemish government to invest in cycling improvements. In the previous competition, Kortrijk was named the Cycling City of 2020.
