Brussels mayors call for restrictions for cyclists on city’s Green Walk

Three Brussels mayors are calling for action to protect pedestrians walking the city’s famous Green Walk (Promenade Verte) - as increasing number of cyclists take to the path.

The mayors of three communes - Auderghem, Woluwé-Saint-Pierre and Woluwé-Saint-Lambert – have been asking the Brussels region for months to make the necessary adjustments to secure the safety of walkers using the route and are now considering taking more radical measures, such as banning cyclists from the path on weekends and holidays.

The Promenade Verte of over 60km that circumnavigates the capital, is a popular route for pedestrians and cyclists alike. This popularity has increased during the coronavirus crisis, with more and more cyclists taking to the circuit in search of freedom and exercise

This uptake among cycling enthusiasts has led claims that the route is now more dangerous for pedestrians – and the three mayors have been calling for protections to be put in place but, as yet, to no avail.

“If nothing happens with regard to the safety of the promenade, it will be necessary to take the ultimate measure,” said Benoit Cerexhe, the mayor of Woluwé-Saint-Pierre.

"In the meantime, we remain open to dialogue with the region, but it must be noted that it has been several months since we first brought this to its attention and, despite the promises, nothing has happened," he concluded.