Fewer and fewer Brussels residents drive their children to school
According to the latest figures from the Brussels Mobility regional administration, an increasingly smaller proportion of Brussels residents regularly take their children to and from school by car. Around 83 per cent of schools have seen an increase in the number of youngsters travelling by bicycle, on foot and by public transport.
Since 2022, the number of journeys by car in Brussels has been declining, while the number of active journeys – on foot or by bicycle – and the use of public transport have been increasing. This trend is even more visible around schools, which often work with the so-called school transport plan – a structuring tool for parents to help pupils, teachers and parents find the safest way to school.
In 2025, 32.4 per cent of primary school pupils travelled to school by car or carpool, compared to 35.5 per cent in 2023. 45 per cent went on foot or by bicycle in 2025, compared to 43 per cent in 2023.
The results show a significant increase in the use of bicycles to go to school, especially in mainstream primary education, as emphasised by Brussels Mobility. In primary education, bicycle use rose from 3.45 per cent to 6.2 per cent between 2018 and 2025. In secondary education, the increase is more limited, but still positive. School staff are also cycling more often.
Of the approximately 850 schools in Brussels, 336 are currently participating in school transport plans, representing more than 100,000 pupils across the region. These schools can use various teaching resources and support programmes to encourage active mobility.
"The figures confirm that more and more children are walking or cycling to school"
“All parents want their children to reach the school gates safely, and the figures confirm that more and more children are walking or cycling to school,” declared Brussels mobility minister Elke Van den Brandt. “More than 100,000 pupils are already part of this movement.”
Illustration © PHOTO BELGIAN_FREELANCE
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