Although another accident occurred at the infamous roundabout, a safe solution remains elusive: “Too little space for safe bike lanes” (Whittier)

Read also. A cyclist was hospitalized after colliding with a truck at the roundabout

A collision occurred between a truck and a cyclist on Monday in Kopalan. The cyclist fell and was taken to the hospital. The accident is certainly not an isolated case. There were eleven accidents on the roundabout last year. In 2021 there were thirteen, in 2020 fifteen.

“It’s a narrow, single-lane roundabout with many branches and adjoining cycle paths, where cyclists bump into reversing traffic,” says road manager Wegen en Verkeer (AWV). “It’s a serious point.”

AWV stands for Merelbeke’s futuristic “turbo rotor”. Separate cycle paths will be built there, and cyclists will not have priority. But this safe solution is impossible for Vertigo in Wittrin. There is not enough space to create separate cycle tracks along the entire circular lane. (Read more below the image)

Flanders has researched the vertigo extensively, but has proven that there is no quicker, safer fix possible. “Also, there is no place for a conflict-free intersection with traffic lights. This will lead to massive property seizures around the roundabout. The slope of the nearby bridge does not make it any easier.”

The AWV is pinning its hopes on the new Scheldt Bridge, as the existing, rickety bridge connecting the roundabout will be demolished. “Then the traffic flows will change and we can organize the traffic more securely. The Scheldt Bridge node will be cut in March, so it will not be responsible for making major interventions now that will have serious consequences.”