Cycle superhighways to connect Brussels with surroundings

The province of Flemish Brabant is working with the Flemish and Brussels-Capital regions on an ambitious plan to create a network of 15 cycle superhighways by 2025. The new routes were announced last week by the Flemish Brabant mobility project Vlot Vlaanderen.

The goal of the development of superhighways is to tackle chronic traffic congestion around Brussels by encouraging commuters to use bicycles rather than cars. The first phase of the project will be the creation of a cycle superhighway along the route of the high-speed train line between Zaventem and Machelen, including a new cycle bridge over the Brussels Ring. The project, due to cost about €13.3 million, will begin in late 2015.

Flemish mobility minister Ben Weyts emphasised the importance of the different authorities working together. “We will only get the region moving again by implementing a smart transport policy that focuses on public transport, bicycles and cars,” he said.

Other projects in the region include the creation of a suburban train network and the construction of a suburban tram route to the north of Brussels connecting Jette, Heysel/Heizel and Vilvorde/Vilvoorde with Brussels Airport.

Meanwhile, the roads agency is planning major improvements on the northern stretch of the Brussels Ring, which is frequently blocked due to vehicles entering and leaving the motorway.

Photo: The new cycles routes will connect Brussels to nearby municipalities but also Leuven and Diest

©Flemish Babant Province