‘43,7% more cycling commuters during rush hours in Brussels’

The number of cyclists traveling through Brussels during the morning rush hours almost doubled in 2022 compared to 2021. Cyclists seem to be moving increasingly safely in the city. The conclusions come from the Bicycle Observatory.

Four times a year, the Bicycle Observatory organizes bicycle countings in the Belgian capital. The 104 hours of manual countings in 2022 were held on 26 crossings in the Brussels region.

Upward trend

Last year, the number of cyclists during rush hours increased spectacularly by 43,7%. After a sharp drop due to corona and the corona-related lockdowns in 2020, the upward trend continues. The number of cyclists even increased by a factor of 4,13 for the period between 2010 and 2022. Male cyclists form the majority, with a 60% share.

However, the counting also revealed other bike-related elements. It turns out that 36% of cyclists ride an e-bike, while in 2021, it was about 30%. Most cyclists (65%) wear a helmet, especially those who ride an e-bike, and 26% wear a yellow jacket.

Commuting main reason for cycling

Safety and visibility apparently are important, all the more because one out of three cyclists admits to having been involved in an accident in the last two years. Consequently, most bicycles are in tip-top condition, and 82% are perfectly equipped with bicycle lighting, an increase of 7% compared to 2021.

According to a permanent survey the Bicycle Observatory organizes, commuting is cited as the main reason (74%) for using a bicycle. Users of an e-bike cover an average of 6,86 kilometers; those riding a traditional bike cover 5,47 kilometers on average. Some respondents (15,5%) say they use their bicycles at least three to four times a week.

Pro Velo has been counting cyclists on Brussels roads since 1998, an assignment for Brussels Mobility. The countings are organized in the context of the Bicycle Observatory.