2,000 cyclists demonstrate in Brussels against coronavirus restrictions

A fifth demonstration by the Cycle for Freedom movement took place in Brussels on Sunday with around 2,000 cyclists taking part, according to figures released by the organisers.

The cyclists set off from the Bois de la Cambre to join a protest by the Wake Up movement on the Mont des Arts before returning to their starting point. Both groups demand that all Belgian residents, especially young people, have all their freedoms returned to them and that the current coronavirus restrictions should be scrapped.

The Wake Up demonstration featured exhibits set up on the Mont des Arts, each illustrating the different hardships that people have been experiencing as a consequence of the coronavirus regulations.

"For two months now, we have been demonstrating our dismay constructively and respecting the barriers and, to date, we have received no response from the authorities,” a statement from Cycle for Freedom read. “These events will continue until we are heard, listened to and considered.”

"With the means at our disposal today, after a year of crisis, we should be able to regain our freedoms."

The cyclists stopped at a number of cultural venues along their route in a show of support for the event sector and the hospitality industry which have both been severely affected by the coronavirus pandemic.