How do you use de Groene Loper, Jo?
"On the middle path you should stroll, not panic"
The Groene Loper is not only a traffic connection, but also a special place in Maastricht where urban nature, relaxation and exercise come together. We are curious to know how people use the Green Ribbon. This time we asked Jo Schoonbroodt (74), active user and resident of the Groene Loper.
My first encounter
"When the highway was still here, I used to go by bike or run from Heer to work in Sittard-Geleen," Jo says in his apartment on the Groene Loper. "That way I could avoid the crowds as well as pursue my hobby." Jo is an avid runner and has completed many a marathon. Nowadays he also gives running training and can therefore often be found on the Groene Loper. "The Flaneerpad is ideal. At night it is well lit and you can use different points in interval training." About five years ago, he and his wife moved to Orange Square. "I see passersby of all kinds here. From nocturnal runners to students on beer bikes."
My choices
Walking and running is something Jo does intentionally on the Flaneerpad. "If I want to go somewhere fast on my bike, I choose the lane. I also do that consciously to show that this is just allowed. Cars are allowed 30 km per hour here, so that's fine along with swift cyclists, mopeds or meal deliverers." While vacationing in Spain, he saw more of shared spaces like on the median. "You just make allowances for each other. If the faster traffic goes to the lane, then the center aisle is really for strolling and not panhandling," Jo laughs.
What catches my eye
"On the Flaneerpad, you can quietly bike, walk the dog or take your child for a walk. While running, I keep that in mind." So Jo prefers to run on the left side, so he can keep a good overview. "With a dog, I immediately know: it wants to go onto the grass. So then I adapt. There are no set rules for that. I really notice this diversity of users of the Green Ribbon and that's good!"
My tip
For visitors coming from outside Maastricht, Jo always gives the following tip: "Check in advance whether it wouldn't be smarter to drive to us via the tunnel. Especially now that 30 km per hour also applies on the Meerssenerweg. Then you really are faster if you come via the tunnel despite having to make a small detour."
My favorite moment
From his apartment he has a nice view of the Green Carpet. In the distance, he can just barely see the towers of Heer's church. "Already at sunrise you see movement everywhere here. Personally, I prefer to go running just after sunset. Especially at the former boxing school, the light then falls beautifully on those green stones."