Fighting for better bike safety in Gent took a personal turn on 2025-05-17 14:55:00, when local journalist Ben Van Alboom was assaulted by an aggressive driver near Gent-Sint-Pieters station. The incident highlights the ongoing dangers cyclists face on busy city streets.
- Ben Van Alboom physically assaulted by motorist
- Incident occurred near Gent-Sint-Pieters station
- Motorist dangerously overtook cyclist at close distance
- Van Alboom recorded license plate and witness info
- Gent police filed official report on incident
- Calls for more bike-friendly streets and enforcement
Van Alboom, who was cycling to pick up his daughter, experienced a reckless overtaking maneuver followed by a physical attack. His story sheds light on the urgent need for safer cycling infrastructure in Gent, especially in streets where cars pass dangerously close to cyclists.
How many more cyclists must suffer before authorities act? Van Alboom’s call for more bike streets and enforcement raises important questions about road safety and driver behaviour in Belgium’s urban centres.
What can be done to prevent such incidents in Gent and beyond? Van Alboom’s experience points to broader issues in urban cycling safety. Key takeaways include:
- Many Gent streets, like Achilles Musschestraat, lack safe passing distances for cyclists.
- Introducing more designated bike streets could reduce conflicts between motorists and cyclists.
- Active enforcement, possibly using drones as in Mechelen, is needed to deter dangerous driving.
- Community support and witness intervention play a crucial role in addressing road aggression.
Gent’s authorities and citizens must now work together to expand bike-friendly zones and enforce safer driving habits. Will this incident spark the changes needed to make Gent’s streets safer for everyone?
