Registrations open for this summer's BXL Tour cycle ride

The BXL Tour bicycle ride was created five years ago to promote bike riding in Brussels - and with a little push from the pandemic, cycling increased by 64% in the city last year. Over the past decade, bike use had been increasing by about 13% annually, so 2020 was quite a boost.

Organisers have announced the fifth edition of the BXL Tour will take place on 29 August. It’s 40km by bike from the Royal Park to the Atomium, via the Bois de la Cambre and Josaphat Park, following the Brussels route of the 2019 Grand Départ of the Tour de France.

The event will not only promote active mobility but will also emphasise the diversity of the participants. "In recent months, many Brussels residents have become aware of the ease of cycling as a means of transport and have rediscovered the pleasure of its use", said Benoit Hellings, alderman for climate and sports at the City of Brussels.

"The BXL Tour is an opportunity to encourage active mobility to reclaim the city and to make sport and cycling events accessible to as many people as possible".

Two categories of cyclists will start at around 9.00 from the Place des Palais: the Masters (19 and over), and the Cyclos (from 14). The course is also accessible to people with reduced mobility. It zigzags between several Brussels municipalities to end up at the Atomium around noon.

This summer, the start and finish villages will not be set up to avoid gatherings and wearing a mask will be compulsory at all times except during the race. Hand gel will also be available in several places on departure and on arrival.