‘On foot, by bike, satisfied’: Brussels in the spotlight as a walking and cycling paradise
Option B is a playful campaign that promotes our capital by bringing together priceless insider tips, must-see addresses and lesser-known sights. Previously, ‘Secret Gardens’, ‘Second life’, ‘Selfcare’ and ‘Beer, Gin, Wine’ were scrutinized. For the fifth theme, Brussels is put in the spotlight as a walking and cycling destination under the heading ‘On foot, by bike, satisfied’.
In order to promote Brussels as a fully-fledged cycling destination, Option B mapped out tailor-made cycling routes that lead from Leuven, Mechelen, Aalst, Nivelles, Wavre and Ninove to the capital. The way has been cleared for simple and ecological city trips to Brussels. And that is of course a two-way street: Brussels residents can also take the opportunity to visit the buildings by bicycle.
«During the summer, the city really comes alive: people from inside and outside Brussels relax on terraces, cool off in the park or come to enjoy culture. With this campaign we show that walking, cycling and public transport can be nice, cheap and fast ways to explore. If you come by car, you can park without worry in one of our transfer or public parking spaces,” says Bart Dhondt, Alderman for Mobility and Public Works.
cycling revolution
There is also plenty to do for the cycling tourist in Brussels itself. the BXL toura bicycle race that every year in and around the city obtained, or the bicycle tours organized by Pro Velo are offered are just a small selection of what is on offer. Pro Velo is also the initiator behind the successful The bicycle project, a program that aims to support companies to promote the use of bicycles for professional use. Moreover – with the support of the City of Brussels and Citydev – it was BXL Pump Park created on the initiative of the non-profit organization Ride Your Future and the first bicycle park in Brussels was born.
Would you rather take the legs? There’s nothing like walking to discover all the corners and hidden gems of Brussels. «We want to immerse visitors in the atmosphere of the capital and give them a taste of the typical Brussels feel, which is best discovered on foot,» says Sophie Legrand, director of Directions, which organizes guided walks in the heart of the capital. There are also several walking clubs such as Cercle Pegasethose pleasant and sporty walks in the capital and the province.
Strolling through the shopping streets is the best way to enjoy a shopping trip and the perfect opportunity to even rest and recharge the batteries. Fortunately, there is no shortage of shops full of walking and cycling equipment in Brussels. In addition to the well-known large chains such as decathlon from AS AdventureYou will also find more specialized items there: Van Calck Sports offers a wide choice of hiking clothing; Jogging Plus and Trakks target runners and walkers; driver, Velofixer, Cycle your city and Cowboy offer new and repaired bicycles in different price ranges. Opportunities to find a pair of shoes, a helmet or a child seat!
You can find all tips and activities at optionb.brussels