The construction of the much-discussed cycle path in the Oosterboer residential area in Meppel has been completed. “The construction took place without any significant incidents,” says a spokesperson on behalf of the municipality, who also says they have received many positive reactions to the path.
The municipality had taken extra safety measures for the work. Construction fences were installed, but there was also camera surveillance. “During the work, people were inside the construction fences without permission. Passers-by also entered into conversations and discussions with employees of the contractor. All this did not lead to disruption of the work or additional inconvenience,” said the spokesperson.
The run-up to the construction took a lot of effort. Local residents started a petition against its construction. The new cycle path has been laid parallel to a current path. However, this is also a farm driveway, and the resident notices that little or no space is given when she uses it by car. The municipality found the road too narrow for cyclists and car traffic. But the plan for the new cycle path was not appreciated by some local residents.
The new cycle path is located next to a ditch and local residents fear that children will cycle into the ditch. On the other side of the ditch are two primary schools. A petition against the construction was signed hundreds of times. The municipality decided to conduct another investigation, but concluded that the new path was the best option. It has now been constructed.
At the same time as the construction of the new cycle path, the intersection with the Oosterboerweg was also adjusted. Cyclists have now been given priority over car traffic.
Pedestrians are still allowed to use the old cycle path, which in turn leads to outrage among opponents of the new path. However, the municipality has announced that there is still a ‘withdrawal request to completely withdraw the Blankensteinweg from public view’. “If the municipal council agrees to this, the Blankensteinweg will become a private road and people may only walk with the owner’s permission.”
The municipality is now working on a cycle path on the other side of the residential area. This concerns part of the Brandemaat, which is now being designed as a school zone. There is also a primary school on this road. For example, part of the cycle path will be moved there and cyclists will be given priority. There will also be additional zebra crossings, one-way traffic around the nearby shopping center and new bicycle crossings.
The work is likely to last until the end of June.
