A tragic accident on the Westlaan cycling path has once again highlighted the dangers faced by cyclists in Belgium. On 2025-06-24 10:09:00, a woman was struck violently by a Dacia car, which dragged her several metres before stopping at the nearby roundabout. The severity of the collision was evident, with the victim’s bicycle shattered and a large star-shaped crack marking the car’s windshield.
- Vrouw aangereden en meegesleurd op fietspad
- Fiets verbrijzeld, auto voorruit beschadigd
- Hulpdiensten arriveren, slachtoffer overlijdt ter plaatse
- Rotonde Westlaan urenlang afgesloten na ongeval
- Parket schakelt verkeersdeskundige in onderzoek
- Rotonde Spillebad bekend als onveilig kruispunt
The emergency services arrived promptly, but sadly, the cyclist did not survive the crash. This incident occurred at the infamous roundabout near the former Spillebad, a location already known for its poor safety record, especially for cyclists. Despite recent partial redesigns aimed at improving safety, the area continues to pose serious risks.
What more can be done to protect cyclists on Belgium’s roads? And how will authorities respond to prevent further tragedies? These questions loom large as investigations proceed, leading US to the key facts of this heartbreaking event.
Why does this roundabout remain so dangerous? The accident raises concerns about whether current safety measures are sufficient. Key points to consider include:
- The roundabout’s reputation as West Flanders’ most hazardous intersection for cyclists.
- Recent partial redesigns have yet to fully mitigate risks.
- The driver tested negative for drugs and alcohol, indicating other factors at play.
- Local authorities have appointed a traffic expert to clarify the accident’s circumstances.
Moving forward, Belgian authorities must prioritise comprehensive safety upgrades and community awareness campaigns. Continued vigilance and proactive measures are essential to prevent further loss of life on our cycling paths.