The route, which runs for 6 kilometers along the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, is also an attractive cycle path for recreational users. The route will be completed in 2025.
Utrecht Lage Weide is one step closer to the implementation of the Houten cycle route. By signing a cooperation agreement, aldermen Wouter van den Berg (Houten), Ellie Eggengoor (Nieuwegein), Lot van Hooijdonk (Utrecht) and deputy Arne Schaddelee are speeding up the realization of this route. The aim is to entice more residents to cycle to work with this direct, safe and comfortable cycle route. The route, which runs for 6 kilometers along the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, is also an attractive cycle path for recreational users. The route will be completed in 2025.
“With this cooperation agreement we can continue with the implementation. This is important because, for the quality of life and accessibility of our region, we want half of the commuters at a distance of up to about 15 km to cycle to work more often and leave the car at home. With the construction of this cycle route, we now also get a better picture of the regional network of cycle routes. The route crosses the cycle routes Utrecht - Woerden and Utrecht - IJsselstein. And also brings a Dom tot Dam route closer again”.
In the cooperation agreement it has been agreed how the route will run, what the preliminary design will look like, what the desired improvements are and how the financing is arranged (65% by the province and 35% by the municipalities). Special is the agreement that 7,5% of the budget - almost € 400.000 - will be spent on making the underpasses and bicycle tunnels on this route more attractive. The Fietsersbond, park management Lage Weide and other partners are involved in the preparation for the desired route and the preliminary design.
“We continue to invest in fast cycling routes, so that we can get from A to B even faster. Our bicycle tunnels could certainly use some color. I often hear that from residents. With the budget for making the underpasses attractive, we can make a start on this in the short term, together with residents and the Fietsersbond.”
Cycle route features
The Houten-Nieuwegein-Utrecht Lage Weide route is 17 kilometers long and runs from Houten Centrum railway station via the bicycle bridge at the Plofsluis along the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal to the Utrecht Lage Weide business park. About 15.000 people work here. In the longer term, the route will also open up various housing developments in Houten and Leidsche Rijn.
“The signing is good news for the employees at Lage Weide and De Wetering-Haarijn, but also for our residents from Leidsche Rijn. A second bridge near the Oude Vleutenseweg and the improvement of the intersections and cycle paths on the Atoom- and Elektronweg are attractive for every bicycle commuter. And of course we will continue to do our best to tackle other hurdles such as the Demka bridge.”
“For a fast-growing municipality like Nieuwegein, these types of cycle routes are of great importance. Stronger public transport and a more attractive bicycle network are preconditions for healthy growth, while maintaining accessibility and quality of life.”
A guest at the HEMA distribution centre
The signature was made in the company restaurant of the Logistics Service Center of HEMA on Lage Weide. HEMA is located on the cycle route and is active in different ways of traveling and a vitality plan for its employees. Goedopweg and Parkmanagement Lage Weide have recently started a campaign of electric shared bicycles on the business park, with a provincial subsidy.
Nine cycling routes
The demand for housing and labor in the region is high. Cyclists are given ample space to allow them to grow and not to clog up. Cycling is healthy, good for the environment and takes up less space than a car. More people on bicycles requires a smooth, safe and comfortable cycling network. Precisely to entice commuters over a short and longer distance to use an (electric) bicycle province of Utrecht, together with municipalities, nine cycle routes. With the cycle routes, existing cycle paths are improved, connected to each other and provided with recognizable lines, signage and where possible lighting. Cyclists encounter fewer obstacles and are more often given priority over other traffic. The cycle routes will be wide enough to provide space for all cyclists, whether they cycle quickly or leisurely.
