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Brussels doubles bike streets in five years, but rules often ignored

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Brussels has doubled its number of bike streets in five years, now totaling around 130, covering nearly 50 kilometers.
  • The expansion aims to improve cyclist safety, but not all motorists adhere to the rules, such as speed limits and overtaking restrictions.
  • Bike streets are a less costly alternative to dedicated bike lanes and receive regional subsidies, though some municipalities misuse them to claim infrastructure improvements without other safety measures.

The Brussels-Capital Region has significantly expanded its network of bike streets, doubling the number in the last five years to approximately 130, covering nearly 50 kilometers of roadway. This initiative by Brussels Mobility aims to enhance cyclist safety, particularly on smaller roads where dedicated infrastructure is not feasible.

On small roads, where it is too narrow to set up separate cycling infrastructure, a bike street can be chosen.

— Steven FierensBrussels Mobility spokesperson explaining the rationale behind designating bike streets.

"On small roads, where it is too narrow to set up separate cycling infrastructure, a bike street can be chosen," explained Steven Fierens, spokesperson for Brussels Mobility. Even wider roads, like the parallel lane of Avenue Louise, can be designated as bike streets if they are not intended for through traffic. In these zones, motorists are restricted to 30 kilometers per hour and are prohibited from overtaking cyclists.

You notice little of the rules in this street.

— ManonA cyclist commenting on the lack of adherence to bike street regulations on Avenue Louise.

However, compliance with these rules is inconsistent. "You notice little of the rules in this street," said cyclist Manon on the Avenue Louise service road. Another cyclist, Marie, found it an improvement over streets without markings, stating, "At least motorists are alerted to the presence of cyclists."

In comparison with streets without bike markings, it is better. At least motorists are alerted to the presence of cyclists.

— MarieAnother cyclist sharing her experience with bike streets.

Municipalities increasingly favor bike streets, partly due to their lower setup costs compared to dedicated bike paths. Fierens noted that municipalities receive regional subsidies for potential bike street locations, making it a direct measure to boost traffic safety. Despite these benefits, Mobility Minister Elke Van den Brandt expressed concern that some municipalities exploit the concept. "The term is sometimes used incorrectly to claim that cycling infrastructure exists on busy traffic arteries without other measures being taken," she told RTBF, warning that this can still lead to dangerous situations if motorized traffic remains too heavy.

They each have advantages and disadvantages, but bike streets do indeed cost less to set up than bike paths.

— Steven FierensBrussels Mobility spokesperson discussing the cost-effectiveness of bike streets.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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