The Bikes in Brussels fund provides support for cycling infrastructure
For easier, safer cycling into and within Brussels
More and more people want to cycle in Brussels or are already doing so and feel safe in doing so, of course. The new Bikes in Brussels fund, managed by the King Baudouin Foundation, wants to give the cycling trend a boost. To this end, it is offering financial support for projects designed to improve cycling infrastructure or equipment and thereby encourage as many people as possible to use bikes as their favourite mode of transport for getting to Brussels and moving around in the Belgian capital.
More cyclists in Brussels would mean fewer traffic jams, cleaner air and a quieter, more convivial city for its residents, tradespeople, commuters, students, tourists and other visitors. According to statistics compiled by the Fietsobservatorium, which monitors cycling activities in Brussels, the number of cyclists there has already increased since 2010, though there is still room for improvement.
If even more people are to be encouraged to take to their bicycles, and if cycling is to be quick and easy, safe and an effective way of getting to and moving around within the city, additional investments have to be made in cycling infrastructure and equipment in and around the Brussels-Capital Region.
Accordingly, over the coming years the new Bikes in Brussels fund will support projects by associations, authorities and public or private partners, preferably acting in partnership. Projects such as the construction of cycle paths, bridges or highways for cyclists, safe bike parking, storage or repair facilities can receive financial support of up to €1 million (per project), provided that they benefit everyone who wants to use them, are sustainable and have lasting positive effects on bicycle mobility after this support has been awarded.
The Bikes in Brussels fund was set up by one of the capital’s residents, who often takes to the city’s streets on his bike to get from A to B.
Projects in and around the Brussels-Capital Region are all eligible for support. Applications may be submitted all year round, with the fund selecting projects every three months.
Contact
Press contact:
Erika Racquet
02-549 02 56
0477-77 88 02
Cathy Verbyst
02-549 02 78
0478-75 01 41