A couple days ago I was cycling from Bertrange to Bridel where I had an appointment. It was only 10km, I had enough time, so I decided to follow the cycling path suggested by Google Maps (recently they launched a new service).

First, everything was fine. I’ve crossed Strassen, found a bike path leading to the forest. And then, all of a sudden, the asphalt surface ended. Voilà: (a bike path, according to Google Maps)

I rode as far as it was possible, until I saw huge stairs (the place definitely lacks a sign “Vélos à mains s.v.p.” :)).

After exploring the further way by foot I eventually decided to carry my bike up to the hill. There, behind a small bridge above the A6 highway, a normal cycling path begins. Well, normal for mountain bikes 🙂

How I love my tires! They forgive me all my adventures. All the way through the forest (several km) was like this. It’s fine if you have a mountain bike, but with thin tires I would strongly recommend not to go there 🙂 Finally, I’ve arrived to Bridel, with delay, but arrived!

To sum up, Google Maps is very good. And the idea of online cycling path maps is awesome. But at the moment (July 2013) the service is still “raw”, at the stage of beta-testing. If you’re planning a bike trip, don’t rely on it.

On the website of Google Maps you can report about places that are not suited for cycling, as well as unmapped bike paths. Let’s help Google to improve the service! All in all, we’ll do it for ourselves and other cyclists.

-Learn more about the new cycling directions

-Go to Google Maps

This Sunday, July 21, the route from Mamer to Mersch will be closed for cars but open for cyclists for the event Alles op de Vëlo!

See the map of the route here.

Several months ago, on the Easter weekend, me and my friend Joe decided to go cycling to Flandria. I love this region, its architecture, language and people.

Read about our adventures getting there by train and exploring Blankenberge, Bruges, and Brussels in “Cycling to Flandria” on my blog.

Photo above from http://www.ecoles-strassen.lu

The Coupe Scolaire is annual event that is held in every commune in Luxembourg that has a primary school. The main purpose is to raise awareness among young (cycle 4) cyclists of how to behave on the road.

The main organiser is the Sécurité Routière Luxembourg as the event falls under their educational measures. More information about their efforts for children can be found their website. Other people involved are usually the communes, the parents and the Luxembourg Police.

The Coupe Scolaire is broken into three stages. A theoretical class in school, the practical part on the road and the national final. During the first two parts, one pupil is selected to be sent to the final.

The theoretical part is generally the code of conduct that any participant in traffic should know. The practical part is a predefined course in the respective commune in real traffic (which is regulated by police for safety) or in a ready-made traffic garden which simulates the real road. The national final is then held to see which of the pupils are the most aware in everyday traffic situations and know how to properly signal to cars.

This year’s Coupe Scolaire final had 74 participants and the top 5 pupils received Cactus sponsored mountain bikes (brand: Focus) and some encouraging words from the Mayor of Luxembourg City, Xavier Bettel [1]

The mayor was very happy to be part of the event and to host the final in the city centre.
“I am proud in my very young career as the mayor of the City to host this event. In my opinion, it would even make sense to not only have a coupe scolaire, but a coupe for everyone. Reminding all the participants how to properly behave in everyday traffic.”

Other plans to raise further awareness among children are not planned but according to Bettel, if any club wants to do something they should get in touch with François Bausch [2], the leader of the Greens, who is a fervent cyclist.

But what about the mayor himself, does he cycle?
“Back in the day, I cycled a lot, but I have knee issues nowadays. I have a road bike, a city bike and even an electric bike but due to my knee injury I am being more careful.”

According to the mayor, are we approaching a renaissance of the bicycle?
“You have to be realistic enough to know that some people, you will not convince to take a bike. Closing the city to car traffic is a utopia that some people believe in, but I don’t. People should realize that it is not only something good they do for themselves but also to nature and their wallet. Plus, it is most of the time much faster to get from a to b [by bicycle.]”

But we shouldn’t forget history.
“Don’t forget where we come from. When you told people 10 years ago you were using a bike to get around you were regarded as a fantasy person who is probably very confused.”

Regarding the overall concept the state has proposed, Bettel’s views are very clear.
“You can develop as many concepts as you want, [but] if people are not willing to cycle you can’t force them. We need paths that are secure, attractive and rapid. We should work towards a togetherness in traffic.”

Another nice demonstration at this year’s Coupe Scolaire was the Bike Polo Luxembourg match. Cycle Polo is the same as on a horse but with a cheaper means of transport.

All in all, it was a very complete event with a lot of happy and motivated kids who have lost at least a little of their fear of biking in traffic.

[1] Bettel on: Facebook, Twitter, Wikipedia
[2] Bausch on: Facebook, Twitter, Wikipedia