Renovated Traffic Garden in Vrijbroek Park offers Interactive Cycling Experience for Children

A Renewed Traffic Garden with Focus on Cyclists and Pedestrians

The revamped traffic garden at Vrijbroek Park in Mechelen was inaugurated on Friday 23 June 2023, with a clear emphasis on cyclists and pedestrians. The result of the refreshment works started on 14 February 2023 now include special cycling zones and challenging obstacles to teach children about traffic in a playful way. The traffic garden is a well-known concept in Mechelen, where young children have acquired cycling skills and learned traffic rules for generations. Especially for the reopening, children from De Esdoornschool from Hombeek borough were allowed to practice in the traffic garden.

Cooperation between Province, City and ESL

The renewal came about through the cooperation between the Province of Antwerp, Belgium city of Mechelen and the Flemish Foundation for Traffic Studies (VSV). The aim was to adapt the traffic garden to contemporary traffic situations and shift the focus to young cyclists.

The traffic garden includes eye-catching red cycle lanes and road narrowings. The old lines have been completely removed and as many as 67 new traffic signs have been installed to replace the 115 outdated signs. These new signs include indications for cycle lanes and the‘turn right through red‘ scheme. This puts the focus on cyclists and pedestrians in realistic traffic situations in Mechelen and the surrounding area.

QR codes Link to Traffic Rules

The traffic garden comprises two sections. The square to the right of the large traffic course is entirely dedicated to cycling skills. Here you can learn to cycle safely, but also practise your hairpin bends, for example. Afterwards, you can test your skills in the large traffic garden where you can show off your cycling skills again along an adventurous path with tree trunks, among other things, and practise traffic rules in a playful manner. (Read more below the photos)

By pressing a button, you activate the traffic lights for 15 minutes. You also discover several QR codes that link to more info on traffic signs and situations. This was worked out with the support of VSV. So you will discover everything you need to know about today’s traffic rules.

“Thus, the traffic garden is ready for the summer as a low-threshold play and experience trail that matches contemporary traffic situations“, explains deputy Mireille Colson. “Also, from now on, children will learn how to drive on the road in poor visibility in a recreated situation.“

Mayor pleased with revamped Traffic Garden and impact on road safety

Mechelen Mayor Alexander Vandersmissen welcomes the renovated garden and the opportunity for a new generation of children to enjoy it. He stressed that the traffic garden plays an important role in the cycling skills of young inhabitants of Mechelen and that the renovation ensures that the garden is adapted to modern traffic situations. The mayor will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the road safety and cycling behaviour of children in Mechelen.

Renewed Traffic Garden puts focus on Young Cyclists, says Steve D’Hulster

Steve D’Hulster of the Flemish Traffic Science Foundation (VSV) explains that the previous traffic garden set-up was mainly aimed at creating young drivers. The focus was on driving go-carts and the traffic signs were adapted to car traffic. With the revamp, the focus has now shifted to young cyclists. They can experience challenging situations such as road narrowing, roundabouts and pedestrian crossings, which are specially designed to improve their cycling skills.

Infrastructure improvements and greening in cooperation with Vrijbroek Park

“Moreover, in collaboration with the Vrijbroek Park team, we have made important infrastructure improvements“, said director Lieve Stoops. “For instance, we lowered the coping stones to increase accessibility. We also removed non-functional paving and added significantly more greenery. Moreover, all footpaths have now been made wheelchair- and pram-friendly.“

Educational dimension of revamped Traffic Garden and enthusiasm among parents

Besides its recreational function, the revamped traffic garden also has an educational dimension. It will be a venue for lessons where children will learn traffic rules and practice navigating situations in the garden. These valuable lessons are provided by qualified instructors who ensure that children develop the necessary skills to safely participate in traffic. Parents’ enthusiasm for the revamped traffic garden is also remarkable. They appreciate the challenging cycling zones and obstacles that encourage their children while providing a safe learning environment. Parents are delighted that their children can now realistically practice cycling in various traffic situations. (Read more below the photos)

Text and photos Verschueren Eddy for Mechelen at its Best