Brussels is set to tighten its transport policy by banning bicycles and e-scooters from the city’s central pedestrian zones by early 2026.
The decision, spearheaded by Brussels Transport Councillor Anaïs Maes (Vooruit), was announced at the launch of Brussels Mobility Week, which runs until 26 September. The move is part of a larger vision inspired by the Dutch ‘STOP’ principle, where pedestrians come first, followed by cyclists, public transport, and lastly cars.
The pedestrianised Boulevard Anspach, stretching from Place Fontainas to Rue de l’Évêque, has long been a contentious space. Despite rules limiting two-wheelers to 6 km/h, residents and pedestrians voiced growing concerns about safety hazards and near misses.
“We had hoped coexistence would work,” Maes told The Brussels Times. “But very few riders respect the limit. At some point, decisions must be made. We are putting pedestrians first.”
The ban reflects broader momentum toward stricter regulation of e-scooters. Federal Transport Minister Jean-Luc Cruke (Les Engagés) recently called for mandatory helmets and visible number plates for riders. Together, these measures underline a shift in Brussels towards calmer, safer urban mobility.
Delivery riders, however, fear the change could complicate their work. Restaurants along and near the pedestrian zone rely heavily on rapid delivery services to stay afloat.
The owner of BFC, a busy fried chicken restaurant located just off Boulevard Anspach, voiced concerns: “We need the riders; all restaurants here need them. We want to see them come directly to us. Walking makes things harder and riskier.”
While riders will still be able to freewheel via perpendicular streets or walk their vehicles through the zone, businesses fear delays and logistical confusion. Restaurants worry about food being delivered cold, heavy orders carried further, and the risk of imposters posing as riders.
To balance these tensions, the city plans to develop a parallel cycling route along Rue de Laeken, Rue de la Vierge Noire, and Rue Van Artevelde. Maes stressed that Brussels’ transport system should prioritise calm coexistence, but when conflicts persist, separation is necessary.
The city will also invest €332,000 in subsidies in 2025 for associations promoting cycling and walking. For Maes, who describes herself as a multi-modal traveller, the goal is to create a safer identity for Brussels that expatriates and locals alike can appreciate.
“Honestly, if you live and work here, you don’t often need a car,” she said. “Cars are welcome if necessary, but under the rules, with respect for everyone. I want people to appreciate Brussels in all its aspects, including safer, calmer transport.”
The ban underscores the city’s determination to reshape mobility, aiming for a capital where pedestrians reign supreme and urban life unfolds at a more human pace.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
