The Flemish Waterway is planning to install speed meters on towpaths. The measure is part of a ‘fun’ awareness campaign to encourage users to respect traffic and courtesy rules on the paths. Towpaths are increasingly used by walkers, joggers, cyclists, skaters, and service vehicles, all of which move at different speeds. Courtesy is, therefore, essential to maintain safety in all situations.
However, the Flemish Waterway is receiving an increasing number of complaints from local authorities and citizens regarding misconduct on the towpaths. Speed pedelecs, for example, often exceed the permitted maximum speed of 30 km/hour, which can sometimes create dangerous situations.
‘Fun’ campaign
With a self-described ‘fun’ campaign, the Flemish Waterway aims to promote “adapted behavior and courtesy” among towpath users. For example, the waterway manager wants to encourage people to give each other enough space, refrain from littering, and respect the speed limit.
By using animal figures, an appropriate slogan – ‘Hang het beest niet uit’ (‘Don’t be a beast’) – and a touch of humour, the campaign aims to encourage people to behave politely.
LED signs
Mobile speed meters will also be installed soon. To be clear, these are not speed cameras, but LED signs that will project the message ‘thank you’ or ‘too fast’. If they have a positive effect, they will also be evident in other areas.
Towpaths are paths along navigable waterways. They are intended as service roads for skippers, maintenance personnel, and others. They are also used for transportation by nearby companies or by recreational users for activities such as cycling, walking, or fishing. In addition to the navigable waterways in Flanders, there are no fewer than 2,064 km of towpaths and dike roads.
