Announcement: stores open, cyclists walk!

Following reports from various stakeholders, including shopkeepers, local residents and visitors to the center, it was decided to institute, as a pilot, a ban on bicycles within part of the pedestrian area during store opening hours.
 

Reason and purpose
In the center of Kerkrade, collisions regularly occur between pedestrians and cyclists (which includes e- and fatbikes), causing unsafe situations and reducing the shopping experience. Particularly at busy times, such as during shopping hours, it is difficult for pedestrians to move freely and safely through the center. The City Council decided several years ago that bicycle traffic is welcome within the downtown pedestrian area. Due in particular to the ever-increasing speed differences between pedestrians and cyclists, we would like to conduct a pilot with a bicycle ban.
The purpose of the bicycle ban is therefore to:
- Ensure the safety of pedestrians in the town center.
- Improve the shopping experience and enjoyment of staying in Kerkrade Town Center.
- Create a clear demarcation between pedestrian and bicycle traffic during the busiest times.
 

Elaboration of the measure
The bicycle ban will apply within part of the current pedestrian area in the city center, as shown on the situation drawing below, with the following Requirements:
- Time period: The ban will be in effect during the regular opening hours of the stores, namely Monday through Saturday from 09:00 to 18:00 and on Sunday shopping.
- Signs and communication: Statutory traffic signs will be placed at the edges of the prohibition zone. In addition, the implementation of the ban will be communicated through various channels, such as the municipal website, social media and local newspapers.
- Pilot: The bicycle ban will be evaluated after one year. This will be done based on experiences by shopkeepers and residents. They can contact the center manager with questions or comments.
- Planning: After publication of the traffic decision and after the 6-week objection period, the necessary signs will be placed.
- Markt: We believe that the markt and adjacent streets are suitable, and of sufficient width. We will work with business owners to see if problems can be addressed locally and impeding measures.
- Enforcement: In the first period, efforts will focus on awareness, followed by targeted checks and possible fines for violations. Given the limited capacity in enforcement, it is unfortunately not possible to put full focus on enforcing this ban.