700 join Kidical Mass parade calling for child-friendly cycling infrastructure

Several hundred cyclists took part in the Kidical Mass in Brussels on Sunday, a bicycle parade to call for more child-friendly cycling infrastructure in the capital.

Children remain severely under-represented in Brussels’ public spaces, the organisers said, as the current traffic situation simply does not allow children to cycle independently and safely on the roads.

“The number of cyclists in Brussels continues to rise, but cycling remains largely inaccessible to the very youngest,” said Leticia Sere, coordinator of Kidical Mass.

“According to data from the Cycling Observatory, they currently account for just 1.3% of cyclists.

"We’re also seeing an increase in the use of family bikes: 22% of the bikes observed in Brussels are equipped to carry children, mainly via longtails (48%) or cargo bikes and trailers (20%).

"This shows that families are adapting, but that the city isn’t yet designed with children in mind."

The Kidical Mass brought families from all over Belgium to the colourful bike parade, which followed a loop of about 5km from Place du Trône to the Royal Park.

“Our aim is clear: to make children’s place in traffic visible and to advocate for safer urban design,” the organisers said.

“We see three priorities that need to be accelerated: the development of physically separated and continuous cycling infrastructure, making the area around schools safer through school zones, and effective enforcement of 30 km/h zones - a city where children can cycle safely is a more pleasant city for everyone. Today, that’s not yet a reality.”