Traffic Safety on the Groene Loper

The Groene Loper is a special place in Maastricht: a green urban corridor where people walk, cycle, relax, and meet one another. Precisely because so many different users come together here, this space requires clear guidelines and smart design. That is why the City of Maastricht and Maastricht Bereikbaar are collaborating on a comprehensive approach to improve traffic safety on the Groene Loper.

This approach consists of communication, behavioral guidelines, and physical modifications to the public space.

Pilot Bike Street on the Roadways

As an additional step in this comprehensive approach, the City Council passed a motion requesting that the City Executive launch a one-year pilot program for a bike street on the roadways of the Groene Loper. One of the conditions for this was that there be sufficient support in the neighborhood.

An interim survey shows that this support exists: 78% of local residents and stakeholders are in favor of establishing a bicycle street. The Groene Lopers Interest Group, comprising representatives from the neighborhood networks of Wyckerpoort, Wittevrouwenveld, and Heer, has also expressed its support.

Therefore, on May 1, 2026, work will begin on further developing the pilot. Read more in the news article.

The Flaneerpad: Strolling Together

Together with a focus group of local residents and users, Maastricht Bereikbaar developed a communication and behavioral approach on behalf of the municipality. The result is the concept:

“samen stapvoets – strolling together”

Vrouw kijkt naar een bord waar de etiquette van het Flaneerpad op staan

Within this concept, the 6-meter-wide central path of the Groene Loper has been renamed the Flaneerpad: a place where tranquility, socializing, and moving at a leisurely pace take center stage. The Flaneer-etiquette applies to the Flaneerpad. These rules of conduct help ensure that the space is shared safely and pleasantly:

  • Pedestrians and cyclists show consideration for one another and share the 6-meter-wide central path (B).
  • The central path (B) serves as a north-south connection and a place to linger and meet (shared space).
  • The central path (B) is primarily a pedestrian area where slow cycling is permitted.
  • Mopeds, motorized scooters, and speed pedelecs are not permitted on the central path and must use the roadway.
  • Pedestrians may also choose to walk on the sidewalks on the outer side of the Groene Loper, along the homes.
  • Want to cycle quickly? Then choose the roadways next to the Flaneerpad (A).
  • Motorized traffic (cars, buses, and motorcycles) may travel at a maximum speed of 30 km/h on the roadway (A).
  • Cyclists are also not permitted to ride faster than 30 km/h on the roadway.
tekening van de situatie op de groene loper (v.l.n.r.) met links de stoep, rechts daarnaast parkeren, daarnaast groenstrook, daarnaast het middenpad voor wandelaars en fietsers, daarnaast weer een groenstrook, daarnaast de rijbaan, daarnaast weer parkeren en daarnaast weer de stoep

Want to know how to spot the Flaneerpad? Flup Flaneur knows exactly how. He explains it with a cheeky wink and a touch of slapstick. Watch the playful video.

Part of a broader approach

The communication and behavioral approach surrounding the Flaneerpad does not stand alone. It is part of a comprehensive approach to traffic safety on and around the Groene Loper.

In recent years, various changes have been made on the Groene Loper, such as a 30 km/h zone, raised intersections, and crosswalks. Starting May 1, a pilot program will also begin featuring a bike lane on the roadways.

These measures help reduce speeds and support the desired use of the space: a safe, clear, and pleasant environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.