Brussels announced in late March 2021 that it would be adding safer and newer bicycle parking spots by 2030 in residential areas as well as near bus, train and metro stations.
The plan (called the ‘Masterplan Bike Parking’) identified a barrier in taking up cycling related to this the lack of bike parking infrastructure, the article goes on to say that:
“Many Brussels residents want to buy a bicycle but don’t do so because they don’t have a safe place to park it. That is a pity because cycling is not only good for the cyclist’s health but also for traffic jams and the air quality in our region,” explained Van den Brandt.
This article definitely hit home as Canadians in a city with a harsh winter, we would love to see more safe and protected areas where you could leave your bike for the day or the night without fear of it being completely iced over.
Bike parking is such an essential part to making cities more accessible and bike friendly. We’ve all gone to a popular spot like Yonge and Dundas only to discover all the spots are taken and having to walk your bike along the blocks to find a safe bicycle ring. Or cycling to a restaurant only to find out that there are no bike rings in sight at all. Maintaining and updating bicycle parking spots is often overlooked and we’re happy to see that Brussels has made it a focus for their next 9 years.
Learn more about their Masterplan Bike Parking on The Brussels Times.