Mayor Hillenaar is and remains #posifiets!

Cycling regularly

Mayor Hillenaar: "I cycle to city hall at least twice a week, usually if I have subsequent appointments in the city. Cycling is often faster than the car, especially in the city. It is efficient. Moreover, you are approachable and approachable when you are on your bike. But I don't just travel by bike. I live so close to work (a five-minute walk away) that I also regularly walk to work."

The joy of cycling

The mayor: "You can look around you. As a cyclist, you have a different view of the world than when you are in a car. It's a short ride for me, but it's still enjoyable. You experience the city differently. You are outside and experience the weather up close."

Chance of rain

Hillenaar: "It's part of it in a way. I've certainly gotten soaking wet on the way to an appointment before. I thought: this weather will be fine. And then it suddenly started raining cats and dogs. Since then I always carry rain trousers in my pannier! Very handy, so you don't have to think before you leave: will it rain or not?"

In the pannier

"There are spare lights in it and a shopping bag. This leaves you with no excuses beforehand to take the car."

Fine tip, motivating and useful for many. Also for young people. 

Why young people should keep cycling

"It is good for fitness and a mode of transport that has traditionally worked well. In addition, relaxation (that you experience while cycling) is important for young people. They are often busy enough as it is. With school, side jobs, hobbies, social media... 

I used to have classmates who cycled over twenty kilometres one way, through all weathers. They cursed, but it was good for their physical development and perseverance. When they were sixteen, they bought a scooter or moped. Now that will be the e-bike. You don't stop that movement towards assisted transport, I think. It comes with the territory. As long as there is a realisation: on a bike, you get the exercise for free. And with other transport, you have to go to the gym for it."

Own cycling memories

"I discovered the village I grew up in by bike. For the first few years, your parents allowed you to cycle up to a certain place. Then the boundaries shifted more and more. My world got bigger! I found it exciting to go out on adventures with a friend, to discover everything by bike.

I remember getting a new bike when I was about seven years old. You should know: I am the youngest of five sons and was regularly given discards. Until I made my First Holy Communion. Then I got a new bike! A red Rivel. I can still picture the bike. Then I started cycling around the area with my father. He needed more exercise and I liked going out. We ended up going on many cycling trips. Those are great memories."

Favourite cycling routes in South Limburg

"When I was just here, we had a camping spot in Bemelen on the mountain. We combined holidays and work that way, in July. From there, we made lots of trips. You look down to Maastricht from Bemelerberg, it's a beautiful view. Highly recommended! 

I would still like to cycle to Fort Eben-Emael. That Fort seems impressive to see. And so does the route to it. My to-do list is still long when it comes to cycling trips.

A neighbour who is an enthusiastic cyclist sometimes recommends certain routes. He says it is beautiful towards Belgium, towards Visé, into the forests and hills. My wife and I like to cycle together in our spare time. We will do the routes just mentioned in the summer. In doing so, I use my cycling map. Then, when we go, I write down the numbers and we cycle around."

What cycling initiatives stand out to the mayor?

"Recycling initiatives! Reusing materials, it's of all times. The little bike I learnt to ride on as a little boy was almost gathered from the dump by a neighbour. He made a little bicycle out of loose, used parts. The man was handy, more handy than my father. He assembled the little bike single-handedly. That's how it should be; it's nice that things that still have value are put to use. That is why I attend the opening of the Crafts Centre, for example (Opening new Crafts Centre Bicycle | Maastricht Bereikbaar). Having that place is good for a specific neighbourhood and great for the whole city. 

In addition, the Drop off points (Locations to donate your bike in Maastricht (maastrichtbereikbaar.nl)) where you can hand in used bikes and orphan bikes are very important for the city. Projects like this show how several things can come together. On the one hand, people with a narrow budget get help. On the other hand, you see the deployment of people distanced from the labour market. Great things happen there! 

The Velorium (Velorium Outdoor Sports & Bikepark - Home) is also fantastic. The activity bike is a hub of nice social things there. People from other cultural backgrounds learn to cycle, people who are getting older learn to cycle safely. Young people are motivated to do fun things instead of hanging out on the streets."

Best place to park your own bike 

"In the bike sheds or in the bike bays on the street. Or in the racks at Mosae Forum. I notice that sometimes people park their bikes in crazy places. Too bad! There are bike racks, aren't there? Rather put your bike there. At the same time, I believe that everyone can change. After all, people once had trouble parking their cars in a garage, too. It has become normal by now. Car drivers have got used to it. A similar behavioural change would be desirable when it comes to parking bicycles. The bike ín the garage instead of lying around on the street."

Enthusiastic about cycling and want some inspiration? Read on via www.maastrichtisposifiets.nl.

Or would you like to pose a cycling question to the mayor or those involved in #posifiets? Then email info@zuid-limburg-bereikbaar.nl.