Brussels car-Free Day shows changing habits
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On September 20, 2026, Brussels held a car-free day, and people altered their transportation choices.
Cyclists, runners, and pedestrians used the city’s streets as cars were restricted. Joshua, a 25-year-old student, welcomed the initiative and looked forward to a second car-free day planned for 2027, viewing it as a chance to reclaim space usually reserved for vehicles. Several residents noted improvements in bicycle infrastructure over the years, including more separated bike lanes.
However, some cyclists still encounter dangerous situations where bike paths abruptly end, forcing them back onto roads with traffic. Beatrijs and Jean-Safran observed that drivers are more aware of cyclists now than in the past, and are less likely to fail to check blind spots. Some people still find it difficult to switch to cycling full-time. Dominique explained that storing bikes is a problem for her family’s apartment, while others noted that certain professions require vehicle access.
Despite these challenges, Adèle, an 11-year-old, discovered she preferred biking to walking during the event, and her family relies on Brussels’ public transport system, the STIB, for daily travel.
