Brussels-City introduces grant to help young people buy a bike

The City of Brussels has launched a new bike allowance aimed at young people aged 16 to 18.

Up to €300 can be granted for the purchase of a bike and safety equipment - such as a helmet, fluorescent jacket or lights - which municipal authorities hope will both encourage independence among teenagers and promote cycling.

“Cycling is good for health and the planet,” said Brussels alderwoman for climate and sport Benoit Hellings (Ecolo).

“Above all, it can help our young people get to sports, school or friends efficiently. Everyone wins.”

According to the city, the 16-18 age group is the hardest to encourage to take the bike more often.

The new subsidy covers 30% of the purchase price for young Brussels residents, rising to 60% for those whose parents have BIM/RVT status, meaning they experience financial hardship.

The funds will also be available for the maintenance and repair of an existing bicycle (100% reimbursed up to €120); the purchase of bicycle parts for self-repair (100% reimbursed up to €50) and the purchase of safety equipment (30% reimbursed up to €300, 60% if the parents have BIM/RVT status).

To qualify for the subsidy, the bike must be registered with an identification sticker on the mybike.belgium.be platform at the time of application and the young person must hold a cycling proficiency certificate or be enrolled in a cycle course.

To this end, the Brussels-Capital Ixelles police zone and the Bravvo non-profit association - the city's prevention service - are organising a two-hour training course comprising a theoretical part, riding exercises and a route through the city, giving access to the allowance.

“More young people on bikes is the future of the city of Brussels and we have been working on that for six years,” said mobility alderman Bart Dhondt (Groen).

“With safe cycle paths, more school streets and quieter traffic flows, we want to give the cyclists of tomorrow the chance to become cyclists today.”