On yer bike, Freddy!

On Friday morning, work began on painting a cycle path on the central boulevards of Brussels between De Brouckère and Midi as well as reducing car lanes to 2 instead of 4. These modifications had been planned for a long time as part of a global traffic reduction plan for the city centre and were approved by the various instances in charge of these matters. This was also to be a real-life test and open to revocation after the test period if things didn't work out.

However, it never got that far. Within minutes of the work beginning, several business owners (who, it's said, have a reputation for these things) complained directly to the Mayor (Freddy Thielemans) who intervened personally and immediately cancelled all work. The next city council meeting on Thursday the 8th of June will confirm or infirm his decision.

For this reason, as many voices as possible are needed to question the mayor's unilateral decision and show him these changes do matter. Quality of life in the centre affects everyone who goes there, not only people who live in the area. If you can, please be present at the consultative commission taking place on the 7th of June and let your voice be heard. The mayor will be there and so will the business owners who complained. It's time our “leaders” looked further than their own nose.

The event takes place on June 7th at 20h15 at:
Athénée Léon Lepage
30 Rue des Riches Claire
1000 Brussels
(map)