Mechelen has been dedicated to developing a strong bicycle policy for years, aiming to promote “soft mobility” by increasing bicycle use and reducing car travel. While Mechelen performs better than the Flemish average in terms of mobility choices, there is still room for improvement compared to other major cities. To address this, a combination of high-speed long-distance routes and a detailed urban bicycle network was proposed to meet transport needs.

Createlli was tasked with engaging residents and stakeholders to gather insights and identify alternatives. We conducted outreach to both citizens and experts, including specific target groups such as neighborhood associations, youth care organizations, and senior citizens, to ensure a comprehensive perspective. Our approach included targeted interviews with civil society groups (such as bicycle associations, local businesses, and advisory boards) as well as an online survey to capture feedback from the wider population of Mechelen.

Our findings, along with the Vectris study, were used to develop new bicycle routes and signage, which have since been successfully implemented, enhancing the city’s cycling infrastructure.