Bicycle Network West Flanders

The numbered cycling network in Flanders is a pioneering example of how local governance, community engagement, and sustainable tourism can come together to create long-term value. Originating in the 1980s in Limburg, the concept cleverly repurposed disused mining roads into a user-friendly cycling system that now spans over 3,300 km in West Flanders alone. The network links existing low-traffic and scenic routes using a numbered signage system, allowing users to design their own itineraries with minimal infrastructure investment. Governance is decentralised yet coordinated: provincial bodies such as Westtoer oversee planning and maintenance, supported by a dedicated team of staff and a large network of volunteers. The system’s ongoing success is ensured through partnerships with social enterprises for sign maintenance and with accessibility experts from INTER to assess usability for all. The network is enhanced by digital tools managed by private partners, offering modern access while maintaining inclusivity through traditional maps. This good practice offers a highly transferable model for regions across Europe aiming to promote sustainable tourism, active mobility, and local economic development using existing infrastructure. Its success shows how minimal physical intervention, paired with strategic governance and inclusive design, can yield high-impact results.