The municipalities of Helmond, Laarbeek, Gemert-Bakel and the province of North Brabant have taken an important first step towards the construction of a fast cycling route between Helmond and Gemert. On February 5, they signed a governance agreement for the further elaboration and realization of the route.

The fast cycling route will be located from Wolfsputterbaan in Helmond, parallel to the N279, up to the connection with the N272 towards Gemert. The route is intended for both commuters and recreational cyclists and should become an attractive alternative to the car, especially during rush hour.

Faster, safer and more sustainable travel

With the fast cycling route, municipalities and the province want to make cycling faster, safer and more comfortable. This helps reduce congestion on the road and contributes to a healthier and livable region. By giving more space to bicycles, there is less emissions and more space in the city.

With fast cycling routes, we make the (electric) bike an attractive and realistic alternative to the car for more and more people in Brabant.

Stijn Smeulders, Deputy of Mobility and Urban Development

A better accessible Brabant

The province of North Brabant is working throughout Brabant on a coherent network of fast cycling routes. These fast cycling paths ensure that cyclists experience as little hindrance as possible and can quickly get from A to B. With this, the province invests in a better accessible Brabant and offers a full alternative to the car, for students, commuters and recreational cyclists.

Deputy Stijn Smeulders (Mobility and Urban Development): “Our (fast) cycling network is growing rapidly. Good cycling connections are indispensable for an accessible Brabant. With fast cycling routes, we make the (electric) bike an attractive and realistic alternative to the car for more and more people in Brabant. We do not have to wait for other infrastructure projects: we can already start with better cycling connections.”

Planning and costs

The governance agreement contains the agreements about the design, planning, cost distribution and cooperation. The province of North Brabant pays at least 50 percent of the investment costs.

The preparation of the project starts in 2026. The construction of the fast cycling route will then take place in phases, from 2026/2027. The involved authorities will continue to cooperate during the further elaboration.