How do you use the Groene Loper, Magda?

My first encounter

Magda, who is from Brabant, moved around a lot before finally settling in a new apartment on President Roosevelt. “I can still remember the A2 well, when I lived in Amby in the 1970s.” She then lived in various other neighborhoods and spent some time in Spain. In 2023, she moved into a brand-new apartment with a completely open mind. “I haven't experienced the entire history of Wyckerpoort. You can tell that some people still have some old wounds. All the shops are gone, and there is a divide between the neighborhood and the Groene Loper. Something like that has to wear off, but I personally have a good rapport with the local residents.”

My choices

“When I go shopping, I consciously choose the sidewalk,” says Magda. “In the beginning, I sometimes took the middle path, but because people cycle so fast, I sometimes feel unsafe there. The speed differences are too great. So I walk on the sidewalk.” She likes it when cyclists who want to go fast use the road. “It's good that they are directed there. And cars need to realize that they are not allowed to drive faster than 30 km per hour.”

What strikes me

“I see that cyclists don't always dare to use the road because cars are pushing them from behind and sometimes honking their horns. That bothers me.” Magda is also pleased with the physical traffic measures that will be implemented in the second half of this year. “Hopefully, the traffic plateaus and crosswalks will help. Then cars will have to slow down and fast cyclists will dare to use the roadway.” That way, Magda can stroll along the median strip with her shopping cart again.

My tip

With the Groene Loper at her front door, Magda sees that motorists regularly use the roadway as a shortcut. “As far as I'm concerned, only local traffic should be allowed here,” she says critically. “My tip is therefore: always check whether it's better to take the tunnel. The speed limit on Meerssenerweg is also 30 km/h. So if you want to be fast, the tunnel is a better option. Then there won't be any dangerous situations at the crossings caused by speeding drivers.”

My favorite moment

“During the week, at a quiet moment, it's wonderful to stroll along the Flaneerpad. When the weather is nice, you feel like you're walking through a park. Especially in the spring, when the crocuses are blooming.” That's what the Groene Loper is meant for; it shouldn't just be a traffic connection, according to Magda. “And as far as I'm concerned, it could even use some more greenery.” When those in a hurry use the roadway, there is more room for strolling on the central path. “Then you'll see that people feel safer and are more likely to stop and chat with each other.”