Opening of first section of new cycle highway in Brussels

The first section of cycle highway 223 that will link the Brussels municipalities of Laeken and Anderlecht was inaugurated on Wednesday afternoon.

It is designed as a safe, direct route for cyclists along railway line L28, whicht connects Place Bockstael to Cureghem Bridge, reports RTBF.

The initial section of the cycle path between Belgica and Simonis covers several streets in Jette, Koekelberg and Anderlecht.

Once completed, cycle highway 223 will span 6.5km and feature an ochre-coloured surface along its entire length.

The first section, though, consists of various infrastructures. On Rue Serkeyn (pictured above) and Rue de Glasgow (pictured, main image), a four-metre wide two-way cycle path has been created.

In contrast, Rue Gisèle Halimi, Rue Gemba and Rue Verheyden (pictured below) have been converted into ‘cycle streets’; motorists are permitted to drive along them but they are prohibited from overtaking cyclists.

“A cycle superhighway is much more than just a bike path; it represents a fair redistribution of our scarce public space,” said Brussels mobility minister Elke Van den Brandt.

“Rue Serkeyn has gained 40 trees, play areas, and spots to catch one’s breath. This creates a more pleasant neighbourhood for local residents. It also makes Brussels future-proof, with streets that are greener, safer and more enjoyable,” she added.

Looking ahead, a footbridge and new access ramp to L28 Park from Belgica and Bockstael are planned by autumn.

The remaining sections — which will complete the link between Laeken and Anderlecht via the West Station — are due to be built gradually over the coming years. Permit applications for these future sections are due to be submitted soon.

Spearheaded by Beliris (the federal fund for Brussels), the project represents a total investment of nearly €22 million. The cycling infrastructure received €14.1 million in funding through the European “NextGenerationEU” recovery plan, supplemented by €7.8 million provided by Beliris and Brussels Mobility.

Photo: Rue Glasgow, Rue Serkeyn, Rue Verheyden ©Beliris