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Biking in Brussels
Is it feasible to become a cyclist in Brussels, a city whose traffic seems, staying true to the local spirit, rather surrealistic? Well, yes: you can, and many locals do, use bikes to commute to work, to run errands across Brussels or even travel across cities, despite the occasional hurdles.
Biking is not only cheap, it’s also an incredibly flexible way to move around the occasionally mazelike streets. It’s also good for you, and a truly sustainable means of transport.
Where to buy
There are great affordable options for those who have just started out or who are on a budget. Decathlon has a wide selection for all purposes – be it for the city, for long-distance travelling or for tougher terrains – and Carrefour carries its own brand in the chain’s hypermarkets. There’s also no shortage of bike shops for seasoned cyclists ready to make a more significant investment, though equipment can be costly in Brussels. Ciclissimo is a bike store in the Montgomery area that has been around for 25 years, and it also offers bike fittings. VéloSofiets offers second-hand and recycled bikes, though you should be wary of buying second-hand in Brussels, for reasons that will be detailed later.
No strings attached
If buying a bike seems like too serious a commitment, there are several options for rentals, whether for a quick hop or trying out cycling for a month. The most prominent option is Villo!, a short-term rental option that allows you to hire bikes from stations scattered across the city. Charges are higher if a bike is taken out for more than half an hour, so the service is more appropriate for quick errands – getting from A to B, rather than two-wheeled day trips. Longer-term options are offered by organisations like ProVelo, who run the Brussels Cyclists’ House on Rue de Londres, and Cyclo. Together they operate a service called Point Vélo/Fietspunt, a social initiative that promotes cycling and public transport. There are threePoint Vélo/Fietspunt points at North, Midi, Central and Luxembourg stations. As well as renting, you can also park your bike safely at these locations, and get it repaired.
Warming up
There are plenty of resources to assist you in becoming a fully fledged cyclist. Once a month, cycling organisation Gracq offers Vélo-Trafic, a three-hour biking session that provides beginners with the essentials on traffic rules and safety tips, with practical exercises. BikeExperience is a yearly event that gives drivers the opportunity to try biking for two weeks. And Brussels Mobilité publishes a cycling map of Brussels, which can be bought at locations listed on their website.
www.bruxellesmobilite.irisnet.be
Security is key
The importance of protecting your bike against theft in Brussels cannot be emphasised enough, and investing in a sturdy lock is an absolute necessity. U and O-shaped locks are reliable and easy to carry around; chains and wires are breakable in seconds. When your bike is not in use, it should be locked to a fixed object, regardless of how long it is to be left unsupervised. In Brussels, this goes even when keeping bikes indoors, whether behind the front door or in a garage. Thieves are known to sneak into homes when the front door is left unlocked, and they will also break into office garages. In the Brussels region, it is possible to have your bike engraved with your national identification number. This service is performed free on designated dates at police stations and communes, as well as at ProVelo stations.
Cut your losses
If, due to distraction or bad luck, your bike still ends up being stolen, there are a few options. One is to file a complaint at your local police station or online. Even if your bike can’t be found, reporting helps to improve the accuracy of local statistics on bike theft, which is significantly underreported. It helps to keep an eye on local second-hand shops, the Sunday market at Midi station, local classified ads and websites such as eBay, as your bike may just turn up there.
Get on your bike
Drivers in Brussels are known to be rather laissez-faire when it comes to following traffic laws, and cyclists are no different. To stay safe, and out of respect for pedestrians and the vehicles you share the road with, it’s best to follow the rules. Cyclists are required to follow the same rules as cars – giving priority to pedestrians and vehicles entering from the right, and following street signs. Bikes have the added flexibility of being allowed to ride in both directions on most streets. Do not compromise on your safety, no matter how angrily you get honked at to hurry along. The most frequent cause of accidents is the doors of parked cars being opened in the path of unsuspecting cyclists. For that reason, bikes are allowed to travel about 80cm away from parked cars to the right. There are also indispensable accessories to protect you on the road. They may not be the most glamorous accessory, but helmets are essential; wearing them is a better alternative to a head injury. Another necessity is a bell, critical in drawing attention to yourself, especially to distracted pedestrians.
Make yourself seen
As a cyclist, it is important not only to see but to be seen. In Brussels, bikes must be equipped with a white light at the front, a red light at the back and yellow or orange reflectors on the wheels and pedals. It is mandatory to keep your lights on at night. Many cyclists also use reflective vests to improve their visibility.
Expanding your options
For those with a longer commute, combining cycling and public transport may be a good option. Most metro stations have units where bikes can be secured, and in theory bikes can be taken on metros and trams, except during rush hour. As most stations underground are exclusively accessible through stairs and escalators, however, this may only be feasible for those with foldable bikes, or particularly strong upper bodies. If your commute goes beyond the Brussels region, or if you wish to take your bike along for a trip somewhere in Belgium, it is possible to take bikes in trains. A bike ticket can be bought at stations for about €5 for a single and €8 for a return.
