Vademecum des sentiers et chemins de Haren

The ‘Vade-mecum sentiers et chemins de Haren’ project is part of the Haren master plan (approved in 2014) and, more specifically, the objective of “opening up Haren”. The idea is to improve the integration of Haren into the urban context of Brussels, whether by ensuring better public transport services and accessibility, protecting Haren from through traffic, creating east/west peripheral connections between NOH and Haren, but also by developing a network of pedestrian and cycle routes offering a real alternative in terms of mobility. This network of footpaths serves both as a short cut between the various centres (stations, shops and facilities) and as a place to stroll and explore.

Haren benefits from a very dense and ancient network of paths and tracks. Taken together, these connections represent a total network of around 10 km. However, in recent years, many of these paths and tracks have disappeared, some being incorporated into infrastructure projects, others into housing projects and others extinguished by not being used for thirty years. The City of Brussels, wishing to preserve and complete the network of footpaths that still exist with a view to promoting soft mobility while preserving the rural character of this part of the city, has decided to create a network of footpaths and pathways.

Machelen, has embarked on a path inventory and upgrading project. The project, carried out by the City of Brussels’ Planning Department, involved updating and digitising the atlas of Haren’s byways. This work was the starting point for the analysis of the state of the network of paths and tracks in Haren. At the same time, the City of Brussels set up a participatory process to consult and involve local residents in the reflections on this inventory. The process involves identifying and prioritising the connections and proposing a network to be preserved and completed, as well as an action plan to preserve, enhance and promote the paths and tracks in Haren.

The ‘Vade-mecum sentiers et chemins de Haren’ project, which is based on preliminary studies and information, consists of drawing up a practical guide defining specific developments for paths and tracks. The aim is to increase their use and visibility, making them more attractive and optimising their management.

The study consists of 2 parts: Analysis of the existing situation and Vision of the projected situation.

Place: Haren, Belgium
Client: Brussels city

Partner: Trage Wegen
Year: 2021