The importance of cycling as a mode of transport has been rising sharply in recent years. Cycling has never been more popular in Flanders, nor has investment in cycling infrastructure. To further support this positive evolution with scientific research, a new chair was established at Ghent University, with financial and substantive support from the Flemish government.
Specifically, the Cycling Chair was installed within the Geography department of UGent's Faculty of Sciences and will run for three years. The promoter of the chair is Professor Frank Witlox of the Department of Geography.
With this new chair, the Flemish government and UGent want to further strengthen the ambitious Flemish cycling policy with academic knowledge and insights. The chair holder will take up a role in several relevant training units at UGent and work closely with the many actors involved in cycling policy in Flanders.
From left to right:
- Filip Boelaert (Secretary-General of the Department of Mobility and Public Works Flanders)
- Meredith Glaser (Chair holder and Cycling Professor)
- Lydia Peeters (former Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works)
- Wout Baert (Program Manager of Fietsberaad)
- Frank Witlox (Promoter of the Chair)
What is a Chair?
Companies, organizations, or individuals who wish to fund scientific research or education on a specific topic can do so through a chair. It is a form of collaboration with the university on new developments in areas that are important to society.
Learn more about how a chair works at www.ugent.be.
A Cycling Professor for Flanders
Thanks to the Cycling Chair, Flanders now has its own Cycling Professor. Dr. Meredith Glaser, an internationally respected academic with about 15 years of experience in spatial planning, transport, and mobility, has been appointed as an academic expert for more and safer cycling in Flanders. Originally from California, she has lived in the Netherlands for many years, where she collaborates with the Dutch Cycling Professor, Prof. Dr. Marco te Brömmelstroet.
Dr. Glaser holds a master’s degree in Urban Planning and Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley. She completed her PhD in Planning at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). Glaser is the Executive Director of the non-profit organization Urban Cycling Institute and a lecturer at the Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the UvA. At UvA, she supervises master's research and develops interdisciplinary social science research on cycling policy.
In Flanders, the Cycling Professor will conduct scientific research on several specific themes, which will be determined in consultation with a steering committee representing Ghent University, the Flemish Department of Mobility and Public Works, and the Knowledge Center for Bicycle Policy (Fietsberaad). Possible themes include cycling safety, influencing cycling behavior and usage, and the development of smart technologies to make cycling more comfortable and safer.
Cycling Chair Team
The Cycling Chair has the thematic goal of supporting, evaluating, and further developing Flemish cycling policy. The team contributes to this objective through research and collaboration with policymakers and other stakeholders, and consists of the following individuals:
Frank Witlox, Promoter of the Chair
Prof. Dr. Frank Witlox obtained a PhD in Urban Planning (Eindhoven University of Technology, supervisor Harry Timmermans), a Master's Degree in Applied Economic Sciences, and a Master's Degree in Maritime Sciences (both from the University of Antwerp). He is currently the department chair and full professor of Economic Geography in the Department of Geography at Ghent University (UGent). Witlox leads the Research Group on Social and Economic Geography (SEG) at the Department of Geography. Additionally, he serves as the chair of the Institute for Sustainable Mobility Research at UGent (IDM, Institute for Sustainable Mobility).
Meredith Glaser, Cycling Professor and Chair Holder
Dr. Glaser earned a Master's degree in Urban Planning and Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley. She completed her PhD in Planning at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). Glaser serves as the Executive Director of the non-profit organization Urban Cycling Institute and is a lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Behavior at UvA. At UvA, she supervises master’s research and develops interdisciplinary social science research on cycling policy.
Joyce David, PhD Researcher
Joyce David obtained a Master’s degree in Health Education and Promotion from Ghent University, complemented by a degree in Traffic engineering and Mobility (VIVES University College). David previously worked as a mobility officer in an urban context. Her work experience enables her to connect practice and theory. In her PhD research, she focuses on an interdisciplinary approach to cycling promotion, with particular attention to children.
Cycling Advisory Committee
An advisory committee oversees the objectives of the Cycling Chair and their implementation. It is also responsible for the annual evaluation of the Chair.
The advisory committee consists of members who are affiliated with Ghent University, the Department of Mobility and Public Works, as well as the knowledge center for cycling policy Flanders, Fietsberaad.
Financial Support from the Flemish Government
The Cycling Chair receives a subsidy of up to €249,999 from the Flemish government for operational costs, the salary of the visiting professor, and a PhD researcher.
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Former Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works, Lydia Peeters, initiator of the Cycling Chairs:
"Our ambitions for cycling in Flanders are significant: by 2040, we aim for a 30% share of cycling in our total number of journeys. To achieve this goal, we need in-depth research and scientific knowledge to inform, inspire, and challenge our cycling policy. I am particularly pleased with the appointment of Dr. Meredith Glaser, one of the most sought-after experts in cycling policy and sustainable mobility."
Dr. Meredith Glaser:
"Worldwide, cycling is increasingly on the political agenda in cities, and for good reason. Cycling can help solve multiple challenges related to sustainability, health, inclusion, and the economy. However, governments and stakeholders struggle to translate existing mobility research into concrete policy initiatives. My appointment demonstrates that the Flemish government is open to learning and receiving feedback from science. I look forward to supporting this positive collaboration between science and practice. In this way, we can generate new knowledge that directly improves decision-making."
Collaboration and Expertise
The Cycling Chair is open to sharing its expertise. This can be in the form of a partnership or by offering substantive expertise for a(n) (European) project. Donations to the Chair are also always welcome.
For questions in this context, please contact Joyce David, scientific staff member.
Cycling Chair in the Spotlight
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VRT News: American Expert in Sustainable Mobility Becomes First Cycling Professor of Flanders
www.vrt.be -
De Standaard: Meredith Glaser Becomes Flanders' First Cycling Professor:
"A child getting hit by a truck is not an accident, but the result of a system"
www.standaard.be -
Listen: Radio 1: Belgium Has Its First Cycling Professor
radio1.be -
De Morgen: Flanders Now Also Has Its Own Cycling Professor:
'Cycling is About Much More Than Transportation; It Could Transform Society'
www.demorgen.be -
MO: Advisors for a Livable Society: #3 Cycling Professor Meredith Glaser (UGent)
'When It Comes to Mobility, We Are Collectively Bewildered'
www.mo.be
What’s new?
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Inauguration Flemish Cycling Professor Meredith Glaser
“Why mobility transitions do not start with mobility”
Tuesday 26 November 2024, 17:00
Sint-Baafshuis
Biezekapelstraat, 2
9000 Ghent
BelgiumDownload the invitation.
Stay tuned
Would you like to be kept informed about the activities of the Cycling Chair?
- Leave your email adress
- ... or send an email to Joyce David.
Contact
Joyce David, scientific staff member Cycling Chair
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Prof. Frank Witlox, promotor Cycling Chair
