Groote Vink Intersection Design Ready to Improve Traffic Safety

Councilors Ashley North and Hubert Schokker sign the documents

Alderman Ashley North (Climate, Mobility, and Finance): “In the future, cyclists from Voorschoten will ride along the new bike path to Leiden, and then continue unimpeded and without having to cross the street through the Groote Vink intersection. The new design makes the bike route safer, and it does so with less asphalt. No less than 1,300 m² of asphalt is being replaced by diverse greenery. This creates a calmer streetscape, and thanks to this new bike route, cycling becomes an even more attractive alternative to, for example, driving.”

Areas for Improvement Through Participation

Over the past few months, local residents and road users from Leiden and Voorschoten have contributed their ideas regarding the bike route and its connection to Voorschoten. During meetings, the design was explained and discussed, and participants were able to share their wishes and preferences. Additionally, alternative route options to and from Voorschoten (Leidseweg) were presented via doemee.nl. The current design includes a dedicated bike path, but the “ municipal council ” has yet to make a final decision on this matter. Thanks to the public participation process, accessibility and traffic safety for cyclists have been improved in several areas, and a decision was made to incorporate a greater variety of green spaces. As a result, not only will road users benefit from the new design, but so will the city’s wildlife.

Residential Development at the Intratuin Site

In Voorschoten, construction is in full swing on the homes in the new Het Fortuyn van Voorschoten neighborhood. The first homes will be completed in the new year. The municipality of Voorschoten is closing the existing Leidseweg between Trompweg and the municipal border with Leiden to through traffic. In the future, the new access route will run through the new neighborhood. The municipality of Voorschoten has requested Leiden’s cooperation for a new connection on Leiden’s territory. On Thursday, December 21, Leiden and Voorschoten signed the cooperation agreement.  

A beautiful patch of greenery

Alderman Hubert Schokker (Traffic and Transportation): “The completion of this new access road brings significant added value to northern Voorschoten. Discussions about the (revised) through route have been ongoing since 2009. The modifications within Voorschoten’s territory are nearly complete, and with the completion of this access road on Leiden’s territory, the new access road will be a reality. Motorized traffic will then enter and exit Voorschoten via the new access road. This road complies with the Sustainable Safety Design principles that we adhere to as a municipality, and together with the other modifications from Leiden, it will also create a beautiful green space in the immediate vicinity.”

Flagship Project

Leiden is making adjustments to traffic conditions in many areas to improve road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users such as cyclists, and the Groote Vink intersection is one such location. Every day, many students, residents, and commuters bike across the Groote Vink intersection. Many accidents occur at the bike crossings at this intersection. To address this traffic situation, the redesign of this intersection has been designated a flagship project in the 2020–2030 Bicycle Policy Program adopted by Leiden’s municipal council . The province of South Holland is also providing a grant to improve traffic safety.

Current Road Conditions

 Future Road Conditions

Current situation as seen from the air

Future scenario as seen from the air