The F34 bicycle highway between Ostend and Zeebrugge (Belgium) is taking shape. It will connect Nieuwpoort and Knokke-Heist and bicycle traffic will be guided via a 4-meter wide and comfortable bicycle highway, seperated from motorized traffic. Cyclists will always have priority at intersections on this highway.

In 2019, Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works, Lydia Peeters (Open Vld) started a concept study in collaboration with the province of West Flanders. The study was intended to investigate how the bicycle highway between Ostend and Zeebrugge should take shape. This year, the conceptual study was completed and proposes a complete redesign of the N34, with the necessary space for a full-fledged bicycle highway.

‘Intersting perspectives’

The current northern roadway of the N34 toward Ostend will disappear and make way for cyclists and development of the dunes. Car traffic will be concentrated on the southern roadway, which will consist of one lane in each direction.

Jurgen Vanlerberghe, West Flemish deputy for mobility: “The study was meant to find a balance between the needs of the various road users and the expectations of cyclists with regard to a bicycle highway. […] Apart from benefits for cycling, the outcome also provides interesting perspectives for strangthening our ecological structure.”

Additional studies

The overall concept is now being further developed in follow-up studies. This further research is now being done initially for the Zeebrugge-Blankenberge and De Haan subzones. An implementation period of one calendar year is provided for both studies.

Between Zeebrugge and the center of Blankenberge, the bicycle highway will be located north of the tram bed, and in Blankenberge, a second bicycle tunnel will accommodate the various bicycle flows and guide them safely under the through lanes and tram line.

Challenging

The situation in De Haan is more challenging: in the concept note, the bicycle highway and through car traffic are brought together on the southern section of the Kustbaan and, therefore, routed south of the protected historic center in De Haan.

The study work is expected to start for De Haan in early 2024, and for Zeebrugge-Blankenberge in the course of 2024.