Over 30 per cent of Belgians cycle to work

In 2023, 32 per cent of people in Belgium commuted to work by bike, either for all or part of the journey, according to a survey by the FPS Mobility on Monday. This is an increase compared to 2019, when 29 per cent commuted to work, at least partially, by bicycle.

"The systematisation and increase of the allowance per kilometre for daily cyclists, combined with the abolition of the ceiling on the employer's contribution, are clearly an effective incentive to use a bicycle to get to work," said federal Mobility minister Georges Gilkinet on Monday.

Regional differences

Other surveys show that 57 per cent of adult Belgians cycle. But there are big differences between the regions: in Flanders, 75 per cent of the population cycle, compared to 37 per cent in Brussels and 31 per cent in Wallonia.

In Flanders and Brussels, people are more likely to use their bike for practical reasons such as commuting, shopping or pursuing a hobby, while Walloons are more likely to use their bike for recreational purposes.

In addition, 30 per cent of cyclists plan to cycle more often, and 17 per cent of non-cyclists say they intend to start cycling. Electric bicycles are also gaining in popularity, with the number of users increasing from 24 per cent to 28 per cent in one year.

^{A cyclist in Brussels © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND}