The City of Brussels plans to introduce measures that will result in the banning of bicycles and scooters from part of the pedestrianised zone in the city centre. In the agreement signed by the parties that will make up the municipal coalition there is a passage that reads that the Anspachlaan, the section of the city’s central boulevard between the De Bouckèreplein and the Fontinasplein, will become pedestrians only at some point during the forthcoming legislature. The cyclists’ association Fietsersbond says that the measure will result in all cyclists will being punished for the anti-social behaviour of a very few.
Currently cycling on the Anspachlaan is tricky to say the least. It is often difficult to steer your way through the hundreds and at times thousands of pedestrians that are walking up and down what is one of Brussels’ busiest streets. Meanwhile, pedestrians often end up being hit by or at the very least startled by a bicycle.
Consequently, the new coalition intends to banish bicycles and scooters from the Anspachlaan between with the exception of between 4am and 11am. Between 4am and 11am there are fewer pedestrians and moreover many deliveries using cargo bikes are made during the morning. The new measures will come into force as soon as work around the Brucity Building that houses the City of Brussels administration has been completed.
Cyclists and those using scooters will have to find an alternative route. The city authorities plan to make improvement to the provision for cyclists along the Lakensestraat, Zwarte Lievevrouwstraat, Van Arteveldestraat and Anderlechtsesteenweg than form an alternative north-south route through the city centre.
"Problematic"
Thomas Deweer of the cycling association Fietsersbond told the Brussels regional news platform Bruzz that “We saw this coming. It was already on the table during the previous legislature”.
“We can understand that action needs to be taken against those that commit traffic offences, but this measure punishes every cyclist for the behaviour of a small group of antisocial individuals and this is problematic."