The autoluwe fietsroute between Herentals and Turnhout has recently undergone a striking transformation, with road markings now prominently featuring a bright red hue. On 2025-06-23 18:28:00, residents of Tielen, particularly those on Spoorwegstraat, were surprised to see their street completely painted red as part of this new cycling initiative.
- Aannemer brengt rode wegmarkeringen aan Spoorwegstraat
- Spoorwegstraat omgevormd tot fietsstraat met rood asfalt
- Bewoners uiten zorgen over veiligheid en verfgeur
- Rode verf veroorzaakt overlast op eigendommen
- Provincie Antwerpen financiert autoluwe fietsroute project
- Gemeente Kasterlee is niet verantwoordelijk voor aannemer
The project, commissioned by the Province of Antwerp, aims to increase cyclist safety by clearly marking the entire Spoorwegstraat as a fietsstraat, where cars must adhere to a 30 km/h speed limit. However, the bold red colouring has sparked mixed reactions among locals, raising questions about its practicality and impact.
With these changes in place, how will the new red bike street affect daily life in Tielen? And does this vibrant approach truly enhance safety or create new concerns? Read on for a quick summary of the situation.
While the red markings clearly signal a cyclist-priority zone, some residents question the decision to paint the entire street rather than simply marking its start and end. Could this approach unintentionally reduce comfort and safety? Key points include:
- Residents report red paint splatters on driveways and vehicles, causing inconvenience.
- Concerns about the paint’s non-porous nature potentially making roads slippery in freezing conditions.
- The project is fully funded and managed by the Province of Antwerp, not the local municipality.
- Communication included advance notices, but some locals feel surprised by the extent of the changes.
As the autoluwe fietsroute continues to develop, ongoing dialogue between residents, local authorities, and the province will be essential. How can the balance between effective safety measures and community acceptance be best achieved? Monitoring the impact this winter will provide valuable insights for future cycling infrastructure projects across Belgium.
