2022.01.20 - On Monday 17 January, the Brussels-Capital Region opened a 1,200-metre section of the Canal cycle route on Chaussée de Vilvoorde, between the Pont de Buda bridge and Brussels Cruise Terminal. The new cycle route section, created by Brussels Mobility, is part of an interregional and European network of cycle connections. The project will have cost 9.8 million euros in total and was financed by the Brussels Region and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
One important aspect of the redevelopment is the introduction of greenery: 105 trees and 8,400 shrubs have been planted alongside the road.Two pedestrian crossings with safe traffic islands have been created, at Rue des Trois Pertuis and the Rive Gauche bus stop.Several benches and bins have also been installed on the Canal side. On the other side of the road, a number of parking spaces have been added and the pavement running past the shops has been improved at the entrances.
The cycle route will improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians, thanks in particular to the buffer zone that has been developed with its shrubs and bushes. In addition, the speed limit has been reduced to 50km/h on the road, and the traffic lanes have been narrowed to reinforce this.
The lighting has been renovated, with smart lighting on the Canal side that dims at night and switches on automatically when pedestrians or cyclists pass.
Minister-President Rudi Vervoort explained: ‘Improving the environmental quality of the urban spaces fringing the Canal represents a major challenge for the Region, especially given the size of the area in question. This approach was initiated more than twenty years ago, and has involved numerous investments and projects. The implementation of the cycle route project supported by Europe confirms this commitment to having a positive impact by carrying out quality development projects that create a new perception of the Canal Area.’
The Brussels Minister for Mobility and Public Works, Elke Van den Brandt, pointed out that ‘The cycle route is an important element of the Canal Area and is becoming something of a gateway to Brusselsfor residents and commuters from Flemish periphery. This section links up with the three new bridges for cyclists and pedestrians that were installed last year as well as with the three additional underpasses that are planned for the busy Trooz, Sainctelette and Van Praet intersections from next year. The new trees and shrubs will separate the active transport modes from the road traffic and add attractive greenery to the area. The separate cycle path on the Chaussée de Vilvorde and the introduction of road safety features are a good illustration of our plans for Brussels: more space for active transport modes, more greenery and the absolute prioritisation of safety.’
