Nijmegen to tests urinoirs for women in during Vierdaagse walking event
Organizers are introducing women's urinoirs for the first time at the Vierdaagse walking event in Nijmegen this summer, Omroep Gelderland reports. The pilot aims to reduce public urination by giving women better options. Organizers of the Vierdaagse are also adding more urinoirs for men—the main perpetrators of wild urination.
The "pink urinals," designed for three women at once, are being placed in the Nijmegen city center, including at the train station square and other busy areas known for public urination.
Organizers are also adding 50 extra men's urinoirs at problem locations. Data from the Vierdaagse walking event shows that 95 percent of people caught urinating in public are men.
Hein van den Hoogen, a spokesperson for the organizers, said locations were chosen carefully with help from the Dolle Nimma.
"Locations that are not too light and not too dark, where you cannot look in from above," Van den Hoogen told Omroep Gelderland. "We are going to see whether ladies will use them this year."
The city is offers a total of 1,050 men's urinals, 700 flush toilets, and 21 wheelchair-accessible toilets. This year, the number of accessible toilets is three times higher than last year. They are spread across 22 locations.
Visitors can buy a wristband for 12.50 euros for unlimited access to regular sit-down toilets. The option is meant to improve crowd flow.
Organizers will evaluate the women's urinal pilot after the festival. They will review social media feedback, input from the Dolle Nimma's and their own observations. Results will decide if the urinals return or expand next year.
A Changing Places unit — a larger accessible facility with hoists and changing tables for people needing extra help — will not be available in Nijmegen this year. Project support did not come together in time, a spokesperson said.
In Tilburg, the Kermis festival is building on last year's changes. Dolle Mina's activists had tied pink ribbons around men's urinoirs to highlight unequal facilities. The responsible alderman responded by making all toilets free.
This year, the event is adding dozens more portable Dixies, gender-inclusive units, and better facilities for people with disabilities. A Changing Places unit is also being introduced there for the first time.
