Bridges connect people, serving purposes beyond overcoming physical obstacles. A key challenge in bridge design is addressing the height difference to reach the bridge level itself. With often limited public space and a growing range of stakeholders, public authorities face significant challenges when preparing project briefs. This paper examines how user feedback, gathered through social media and stakeholder meetings or tours, influences the design process. It explores four footbridge projects by Ney Partners in different contexts.The first category focuses on projects with more available space, such as the Bikebridge in Menen and the Krugerbrug in Hoboken, emphasizing integration into the landscape and user comfort. The second category covers urban projects, like the Reepbrug in Kortrijk and Salangaan Bridge in Vilvoorde, where space is limited. The last case study is the Bikeramp Spoor Noord in Antwerp, which features an innovative solution despite challenging conditions. The paper provides practical insights for improving inclusivity, safety, and comfort in footbridge and cycle bridge design, optimizing user experience while addressing site-specific challenges like topography, traffic, and environmental impact.
Maas et al. (Wed,) studied this question.