Railway safety remains a critical concern in Belgium, especially following a recent incident involving illegal cycling on train tracks. On 2025-07-19 14:52:00, authorities highlighted the dangers after two cyclists were caught riding on the forbidden railway bridge at Denderlaan, heading towards Gent Dampoort. This act, known as spoorlopen, poses severe risks to both the individuals involved and the wider public.
- Spoorlopen en fietsen op spoorwegbrug verboden
- Spoorlopen brengt levensgevaar voor iedereen
- Mobiliteitsschepen waarschuwt voor ernstige risico’s
- Spoorlopen veroorzaakt duizenden minuten vertraging
- Bel noodnummer 1711 of 112 bij waarnemen
- Infrabel benadrukt illegaal en strafbaar karakter
Infrabel spokesperson Arno Falque emphasized that spoorlopen is not only illegal but also life-threatening. The incident was captured by Gent’s mobility alderman, Joris Vandenbroucke, who shared the footage to raise awareness. With thousands of minutes of train delays caused annually by track trespassing, the urgency to report such behaviour is clear.
What can be done to prevent these dangerous actions? And how can citizens contribute to safer railways? The following fast answer provides key insights.
Why do some still risk spoorlopen despite clear warnings? It’s a combination of ignorance and recklessness. Authorities stress the following points:
- Spoorlopen endangers lives and can lead to severe penalties.
- Train delays caused by trespassers affect thousands of passengers yearly.
- Reporting trespassers via 1711 or 112 helps prevent accidents and delays.
- Public awareness campaigns are essential to change dangerous behaviour.
Looking ahead, continued vigilance and public cooperation are vital to safeguarding Belgium’s rail network. Will more citizens step up to report spoorlopers and help keep the rails safe? The answer lies in collective responsibility and awareness.
