Operating bridges from a screen? Not in Groningen. 'A car has brakes, a ship does not'

In Groningen, the Netherlands, a unique tradition persists: bridge keepers actively cycle through the city to operate its 74 bridges. Unlike many other municipalities that have transitioned to remote or automated bridge management, Groningen maintains a team of 19 dedicated bridge keepers. Stefan Duursma, one of these keepers, cycles daily, covering significant distances to ensure the smooth passage of water traffic.

Duursma highlights the critical difference between road and water vehicles: "A car has brakes, a ship does not." This fundamental distinction underscores the necessity of manual, on-site operation for ships, especially for tourist boats and larger vessels that require careful maneuvering. He explains that continuous operation allows boats to maintain momentum, saving fuel for laden barges, which would otherwise face significant costs if forced to stop and restart frequently.

Despite the challenges, Duursma maintains a positive attitude, even while cycling in the rain. He acknowledges that while most residents are understanding of the occasional delays caused by bridge operations, some cyclists disregard the warning bells. Duursma advocates for increased awareness among road users, reminding them that they share the waterways and that their actions can impact maritime traffic. He observes that Groningers are generally more laid-back, leading to fewer confrontations compared to other areas.

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Kijk om je heen. Iedereen die hier langs fietst, heeft grote witte of zwarte pluggen in de oren. Dan hoor je de bellen niet. En maak je jezelf al meer kwetsbaar in het verkeer. Dan zeg ik: u bent niet alleen op de wereld, hè?