A surprising incident involving a car on a pedestrian and cyclist bridge in Veurne has caught local attention. On the evening of 2025-07-24 13:15:00, an 81-year-old woman mistakenly drove her Volkswagen Golf onto the new Suikerbrug, a bridge designed exclusively for walkers and cyclists.
- Incident occurred at new Suikerbrug bridge
- 81-year-old woman mistakenly drove onto bridge
- Police assisted by driving car back down
- No damage reported, no police report filed
- Mayor notified to consider installing bollards
- Bridge connects Suikerpark safely to city center
The Suikerbrug, a 200-meter-long structure at the Suikerpark, safely connects the park with Veurne’s city centre. With gentle slopes and a height of 4.56 meters, it’s perfect for pedestrians and cyclists—but clearly not for vehicles. How could such a mix-up happen, and what does it mean for local traffic safety?
This unusual event raises questions about driver awareness and infrastructure clarity, setting the stage for a closer look at the incident and future precautions.
Why did this happen despite clear signage? The incident highlights how even well-marked zones can confuse drivers, especially seniors. Could improved physical barriers prevent future mistakes? The police response was quick and understanding, focusing on safety rather than penalties.
- The driver ignored a residential zone sign before entering the bridge.
- The car got stuck at the top, unable to proceed safely.
- Police assisted by driving the vehicle back down without filing a report.
- Authorities are exploring installing bollards to block vehicle access.
Looking ahead, Veurne officials and residents can work together to improve signage and physical barriers, ensuring the Suikerbrug remains a safe route for cyclists and pedestrians. How can communities better support elderly drivers? This event may prompt wider discussions on road safety and accessibility in Belgium.
