Brussels’ city council has confirmed that it will prohibit the riding of bicycles and e-scooters through the 18,000 m² ‘Piétonnier’ pedestrian zone between 11:00 and 04:00 from early 2026. The measure comes after a decade-long experiment in allowing mixed traffic in what has become one of Europe’s largest car-free zones. Mobility alderwoman Anaïs Maes said pedestrian safety complaints—particularly from older people and families—have risen steadily despite a 6 km/h speed limit for cyclists.
Cycling and road-safety organisations have condemned the decision as “dangerous and absurd.” Their open letter argues that the three-street diversion proposed by the city forces riders onto busy bus and coach corridors lacking protected lanes. Activists say children and delivery couriers will face higher collision risks and call for a segregated cycle lane through the pedestrian area instead.
![Brussels to Ban Bicycles and E-Scooters from City-Centre Pedestrian Zone]()
If you’re planning a journey to Brussels—whether to test the new routing on two wheels, lead a bike tour, or simply explore the Piétonnier on foot—VisaHQ can streamline the visa process so you can focus on your itinerary. The service provides up-to-date information on Belgian entry requirements, handles paperwork online, and even offers courier pick-up and delivery options. Find out more at https://www.visahq.com/belgium/.
For employers with cycle-to-work schemes or last-mile delivery fleets, the ban will complicate route planning in Brussels’ dense historic core. Companies may need to budget for longer delivery windows or shift to cargo bikes permitted to circulate before 11:00. Tourist groups likewise face itinerary changes, as guided bike tours will have to dismount for the zone or reroute.
Urban planners across Europe are watching closely. The Belgian capital had been touted as a model for “shared-space” design; its partial reversal underscores growing tensions between micro-mobility and pedestrian priorities. Final implementation details—including the level of fines—are expected to be adopted by the council in the first quarter of 2026.
Cycling and road-safety organisations have condemned the decision as “dangerous and absurd.” Their open letter argues that the three-street diversion proposed by the city forces riders onto busy bus and coach corridors lacking protected lanes. Activists say children and delivery couriers will face higher collision risks and call for a segregated cycle lane through the pedestrian area instead.
If you’re planning a journey to Brussels—whether to test the new routing on two wheels, lead a bike tour, or simply explore the Piétonnier on foot—VisaHQ can streamline the visa process so you can focus on your itinerary. The service provides up-to-date information on Belgian entry requirements, handles paperwork online, and even offers courier pick-up and delivery options. Find out more at https://www.visahq.com/belgium/.
For employers with cycle-to-work schemes or last-mile delivery fleets, the ban will complicate route planning in Brussels’ dense historic core. Companies may need to budget for longer delivery windows or shift to cargo bikes permitted to circulate before 11:00. Tourist groups likewise face itinerary changes, as guided bike tours will have to dismount for the zone or reroute.
Urban planners across Europe are watching closely. The Belgian capital had been touted as a model for “shared-space” design; its partial reversal underscores growing tensions between micro-mobility and pedestrian priorities. Final implementation details—including the level of fines—are expected to be adopted by the council in the first quarter of 2026.
