Together with the municipality of Urk and the municipality of Noordoostpolder, we signed the declaration of intent on Thursday, November 27, for the realization of the High-Quality Cycle Route Urk - Emmeloord - Marknesse. With this signing, we jointly express the ambition to significantly promote cycling in the region. The existing route will be upgraded to a comfortable, safe, and fast connection.
The signing follows an extensive exploration of possibilities to strengthen the Regional Cycling Network Flevoland. This research showed that upgrading the existing cycle paths is the best option.
Alderman Ellentrees Müller: With this fast cycle route, we make it much more attractive for residents of Noordoostpolder and Urk to leave the car behind. We want cycling to be not only healthy but also a truly fast alternative for commuting. By investing in these kinds of high-quality and safe connections, we reduce the perceived distance between our centers and strengthen the accessibility of the entire region.
An Attractive Alternative to the Car
The goal of the new high-quality through-cycle route is clear: to get more people cycling. We do this by making the connection between residential centers safer and more attractive. The new route makes cycling a serious and healthy alternative to the car, also for commuting over longer distances.
Comfortable and Safe Cycling
The term ‘high-quality’ is not an empty phrase for this route. The renewed connection will meet specific quality requirements that offer cyclists a lot of comfort. Think, among other things, of a wide lane of at least 3.50 meters, safe crossings, integration into the landscape, minimizing curves, obstacle-free zones of 0.50 meters on both sides of the cycle path, and a clear, recognizable appearance of the cycle path.
With the signing of the declaration of intent, the three parties now enter the next phase to concretely work out the plans and secure financing.
