F Cycle highways in Flanders: the F-code-logo strategy

Establishing a network-identity with a letter+number code

In Belgium, the five provinces of the state of Flanders have worked out a shared network-identity for the existing and future cycle highways. In this way, a higher scale of network-branding is achieved. The cycle highways of the different provinces all have a white F+number code in blue logo (triangle).  Some of the cycle highways with F-numbers in the province of Flemish-Brabant will go further on the territory of Brussels. In Brussels they will keep the same blue logo and number with a different starting letter (C instead of F).  The F3 will for instance continue in brussel as the C3.    

Similar letter+number codes are also used in the region of Copenhagen (C-number), London (CS-number), The Netherlands (F-number) or Germany (RS-number). The establishment of a network-idenity by means of letter+number codes is recommended by the CHIPS project. For more information browse CHIPS' identity principles in the toolbox.

The code-logo strategy

Unlike the CS-numbers in London or the F261 prototype in the Netherlands, the F-numbers in Flanders function at the same time as a logo with a specific form (a triangle/arrow) and a central brand colour (blue). The combination of the white cycle highway F-code with the specific blue triangle logo for the cycle highway network in Flanders creates a strong, small and easy recognisable design that can easily be integrated in:

• diverse wayfinding tools for cyclists (marking on the ground, signposts,...)
• diverse (digital) maps, brochures, posters,...
• important touchpoints like routeplanning devices, websites,...
• other mobility products (f.i. for cars, public transport,,...) etc.

The code-logo strategy of Flanders not only highlights the specific code as a recognisable cycle highway product. It also stresses the general network-identity without the need to add extra icons. The simple iconic design expands the range of (graphic) possibilities to improve the exposure of the brand towards potential users.  Different examples of integration can be found in the playlists of the readability toolbox. 

The F-code-logo explained 
In Flanders, the cycle highway code-logo has the form of a triangle/arrow and refers to the saddle of a bicycle (see pictures). The central blue brand colour refers to the colour of the sky. The simple form of the triangle/arrow is easy recognisable and can be used to give direction (see pictures). The letter F refers to the Dutch word "Fietssnelweg" (cycle highway). Together with the number the F-code refers to a specific cycling connection in the network. The number of digits is limited to 3.

The shorter F-numbers are reserved for the connections between the biggest cities. In all Flemish provinces (except the province Oost-Vlaanderen) codes for tangential connections (ring-structure) are differentiated from radial A to B connections (f.i. connection between a village and a city) by means of an extra letter "R". Example:

• F3: cycle highway Leuven-Brussels (A to B radial connection)
• F212: cycle highway Asse-Brussels (A to B radial connection)
• FR0: cycle highway ring structure around Brussels
• FR10: cycle highway ring structure arount Antwerp  

For the longer F-numbers with more than one digit, each Flemish province has attributed the starting number.  All the cycle highways that have thier largest part in the province of Flemish-Brabant start with a 2.  F.i. the F212 cycle highway from Asse to Brussels starts with a 2 because it lays in the territory of Flemish-Brabant.