Genk

Stad Genk, located in the province of Limburg, Belgium, is a vibrant and innovative city with a population exceeding 67,000.

Genk was a hub for mining in the early 20th century. Despite the demise of the mining industry, Genk is still considered to be the industrial hub of Limburg, providing over 45 000 jobs

Amidst a diverse landscape of urbanization and natural beauty, Genk places a keen emphasis on sustainability and mobility. Their commitment to establishing an accessible, safe, and environmentally-friendly mobility network is resolute.

Cycling in Genk, credit: Stad Genk

Indeed, Genk boasts around 30 kilometers of bike lanes in the cycle route network, with information available on a digital map.

“In joining the POLIS network, we aim not only to share insights on transport innovations and contribute to the knowledge pool but also to learn from our European peers. Our involvement with POLIS will facilitate shaping urban mobility policies and practices that embody our commitment to a greener, more sustainable future,” they state.

Cycling in Genk. Credit: Stad Genk

Genk already works closely with surrounding cities and towns, and Hasselt and Genk have developed a combined Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP). The joint SUMP provides a mobility vision at the regional level, providing guidelines and preconditions for the respective local mobility plans and was developed using local knowledge. The focus was on prioritising active and public transport with tourism and recreational use in mind while keeping the key principles of limiting emissions and improving traffic safety at the forefront of the SUMP. The SUMP:

• prioritises cycling and implements cycle paths, crossings and signposts;
• aims to create an uninterrupted cycling network linking the cities;
• encourages residents to switch mode to public transport and active travel.

You can read the plan HERE.

Genk has been involved in numerous project including Stronger Combined and Connecting Nature.

You can read more on their website, or follow them on Twitter and LinkedIn.