Ghent trials anti-slip road coating to cut cycling accidents on tram tracks

There are an estimated 500 cycling accidents a year on tram tracks in Ghent. In an attempt to reduce that number, De Lijn has been applying an anti-slip coating to metal surfaces between the tracks at Emilie Braunplein and Cataloniëstraat outside the city hall. The rougher surface should help prevent cyclists from slipping in wet weather.

“We had been planning this for some time, but partly due to the weather there was a delay. This square is very suitable for the test as there are lots of switches and metal covers,” said De Lijn spokesperson Marco Demerling. “We can easily check whether roughening the surface can contribute to fewer falls.”

A report by the travellers’ and cyclists’ union recently showed that existing methods are not working and the latest measure is part of a wider plan by De Lijn to increase safety.

The company is carrying out a study on a proprietary filler in tram tracks in a similar location. Arrows and bicycle icons have been placed on the streets to indicate the best route for cyclists, or where they can most safely cross a tram track, while bollards and other obstacles have been removed near tram tracks, to prevent cyclists hitting them if they do fall.