Zoetermeers Mystery: This is the meaning of this sidewalk tile at the Willem Dreeslaan stop

They lie in various places in Zoetermeer: ​​sidewalk tiles with a ladybug on it. For example, you spot one at Tram stop Willem Dreeslaan. The tiles look cheerful, but they also have a deeper meaning.

The red ladybug with the black dots is the symbol of the rural foundation of legislative violence.

Cuddly

Bart Wisbrun, founder of the foundation: “The ladybug stands for love and happiness. And the animal has a high cuddiness factor. That is exactly the signal that we want to send: do no harm anyone.”

The foundation was created in 1997 after the death of Meindert Tjoelker. He died in his hometown of Leeuwarden in a fight while walking. Later Meindert became one Symbol in battle Against meaningless violence.

Public places and back gardens

The sidewalk tiles are a reminder for everyone and as a positive signal against bullying and violence. Bart thinks that there are around 10,000 to 12,000 copies throughout the Netherlands. “In the beginning we kept everything neat, but that was too much. So we have no exact figures.”

Most sidewalk tiles are in public places such as libraries, town halls and sports fields. In Zoetermeer you see, for example, one for the Willem Dreeslaan tram stop. Bart: “Everyone can do such a ladybug order. So there are also quite a lot of people with a sidewalk tile in their own garden! ”