Mind how you go: the dos and don’ts of Car Free Sunday

The 2013 edition of Car Free Sunday takes place this weekend and it is heartening to note that the initiative gains in popularity every year. From its inception in 2000 (when it mirrored the French initiative "En ville sans ma voiture") to the well-oiled operation it has become, Car Free Sunday has gradually become a truly important date in the Brussels calendar, alongside the likes of the Brussels Pride and the Zinneke Parade, while retaining its aim to “raise citizens' awareness of sustainable mobility considerations in the urban environment, change established behaviour, and promote a more environmentally friendly transport strategy”.

For all the good vibes generated by Car Free Sunday, it is important to remember that, just like motorists, pedestrians and cyclists have responsibilities as well as rights. Sadly, every year, for every arrogant (or absent-minded) driver insisting on using their vehicle without authorisation, there’s a once-a-year cyclist who thinks that traffic regulations don’t apply to them - and that’s when they remember how a bike works. Here are a few essential reminders:

Car Free Sunday applies to all vehicles, apart from public transport, taxis, coaches and emergency- and public utility services. Furthermore, for safety reasons, the speed is limited to 30kmh.

Brussels region is closed off to motorised traffic from 9.00 until 19.00. Traffic will resume gradually from 19.00, with possible disruptions until 21.00. Moreover, in some communes and neighbourhoods, roads might still be closed to motorised traffic due to local activities and celebrations independent from Car Free Sunday.

Communes issue authorisations associated to certain circumstances (special deliveries, medical reasons...). These authorisations are valid throughout Brussels but for one vehicle only, and specifically for the motive mentioned on the document. If you haven’t asked for an authorisation yet, Wednesday September 18 is the last day; in some communes you’re already too late. While Brussels residents must contact their own commune, people who live outside the Brussels region must contact the local administration of their destination.

STIB is free this Sunday but there is a limit to the number of bicycles allowed on trams and the metro: two bikes on low-floor trams (3000 and 4000 models) and on the metro; one bike on 2000 model trams. No bikes are allowed on older trams or on buses.

Normal road regulations still apply! Keep in mind that some traffic will be allowed on the day. Please show consideration to all other road- and public space users. For safety reasons, it is forbidden to all pedestrians, cyclists and roller-skaters to enter tunnels.

Finally, a few elementary rules which, sadly, still seem to surprise many people:

• Cross the road or drive only when the light is green.

• Do not cycle on pavements.

• Always stop for pedestrians on zebra crossings.

• Remember that trams have priority over all users, including pedestrians.

• Do not park over pavements, pedestrian crossings, cycle paths, bus- or tram stops. Do not drive in bus- or tram lanes.

• Always Indicate when you change direction or lane.

• Pay special attention to people getting onto and stepping out of trams and buses.

Happy Car Free Sunday – don’t forget the croissants!

Visit the official Car Free Sunday website and its Facebook page