Cycling Staples or Parking Woes? The Uccle Conundrum
Ah, Uccle! Where the bicycles are as plentiful as the complaints. Just ten days ago, Brussels Mobility decided to get all nice and cozy with cycling by installing some splendid new cycling staples on the Waterloosesteenweg. The result? A whirlwind of controversy so dramatic it’s worthy of its own reality show! Can someone say “Real Housewives of Uccle”?
The Mayor’s Snip-Snip Show
Enter Boris Dilliès, the mayor who, apparently, isn’t a fan of two-wheeled transportation. Just before the intersection with Vossendreef, this illustrious mayor decided that cycling staples were just too much for his beautiful town. Yes, he did what any self-respecting ruler might do: he had them sanded away. Goodbye, bicycle staples! Hello, spacious parking!
The mayor’s rationale? Well, according to him, those pesky staples were stealing a whopping ten parking spots from the cars that are undoubtedly going to take us to our existential crises. The municipality, however, claims they removed only three of the five installed staples—so it looks like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde might actually be running the local government.
No Communication? Shocking!
Dilliès then spun a tale of woe, claiming local traders were already feeling the pinch of fewer customers. With parking spaces vanishing like socks in a washing machine, he asserts that the situation could only worsen. “We are not against cycling, mind you,” he promptly reassures us. “But could we maybe discuss it first?” Color me shocked at the lack of consultation—who could have foreseen such a thing in local governance?
Not content with just a verbal slap on the wrist, Dilliès pointed out that Brussels Mobility had previously neglected his warnings, leading to this messy debacle. Who knew that bicycle staples could lead to such high tension? It’s like a bad soap opera, folks!
A Matter of Roads and Rights
Before you whip out your pitchforks, let’s remember that we’re talking about a regional road here. Yes, that’s right—Brussels Mobility was apparently allowed to drop these beautiful staples in place without anyone from local government getting a say. It’s like your neighbor deciding to paint their house hot pink, and you’re left muttering in disbelief.
Brussels Mobility, caught in a bit of crossfire, expressed some surprise at all this fuss. “The staples were placed just before a zebra crossing, where parking is a no-go zone for safety reasons,” a spokeswoman declared. Highways code, people! It’s not just a suggestion. Seriously, it’s like the ‘no parking’ sign is written in invisible ink for some folks.
Visibility: A Greater Concern
And if you think that Dilliès had the last word, you’re mistaken! Resigning Brussels Minister of Mobility, Elke Van den Brandt, didn’t hold back either. She pointed out that visibility is essential for those crossing streets, especially for our pint-sized future cyclists. “It’s like trying to find Waldo in a game of hide and seek with your eyes closed,” she quipped—well, she didn’t really, but you get the drift.
She pushed back, saying that yes, illegal parking spots exist all over, but the aim of these bicycle staples wasn’t just to enable cycling; it was to make roads safer. The stakes are high, not to mention the irony of prioritizing safe passage over parking spaces!
So, What Now?
Brussels Mobility remains coy about what could happen next. “Let’s meet first; let’s talk it out,” they suggest, as if they’re trying to fix a couple’s fight over whose turn it is to load the dishwasher. Tensions may have mounted, but cooler heads—and perhaps a few more staples—should prevail!
Conclusion:
So, what did we learn today? Cycling is great, businesses need customers, and communication is key. As for Uccle? Well, it seems nobody thought it wise to consult before playing ‘musical chairs’ with parking spots and bicycle infrastructure. Perhaps the next meeting should include a bicycle, a parking meter, and a local merchant; that might just make for an entertaining blend of policy discussion and stand-up comedy. One can only dream!
Approximately ten days ago, Brussels Mobility installed several new bicycle staples along the bustling Waterloosesteenweg in Uccle, a decision that quickly drew the ire of Mayor Boris Dilliès (MR). In a decisive action, he ordered the removal of the staples right before the critical intersection with Vossendreef, signaling his disapproval.
According to Dilliès, the presence of the bicycle staples complicates access to local businesses for motorists, as they occupy valuable space that would otherwise accommodate ten parking spots. The municipality has confirmed that three out of the five bicycle staples that were initially installed have been removed.
No communication
The mayor voiced his concerns that local traders are already seeing a decline in customer footfall, and he argued that further reducing parking availability would only exacerbate their struggles. Reports indicate that several merchants have reached out to the municipality, seeking support to address their current plight.
Dilliès also highlighted the concerning lack of communication from Brussels Mobility, stating, “The bicycle staples were placed without any consultation with the municipality, nor with traders or local residents.” He emphasized that the local government is not inherently opposed to the idea of bicycle staples, but believes that any installation must be carried out thoughtfully and inclusively.
He mentioned that the municipality of Brussels Mobility had previously issued a notice of default regarding the bicycle staples, and after receiving no response, they found it necessary to take matters into their own hands and remove them.
Regional road
Despite the controversy, it’s important to note that the road in question is classified as a regional thoroughfare. This designation effectively permits Brussels Mobility to install bicycle staples without engaging in consultation with local authorities, a point confirmed by the regional authority, BRUZZ.
In response to the incident, Brussels Mobility expressed its surprise at the developments. Spokeswoman Inge Paemen explained, “The bicycle staples were placed just before the zebra crossing and intersection, where, according to the highway code, parking is categorically prohibited for safety reasons.”
According to Paemen, the installation of the bicycle staples was intended to optimize the use of the location, filling the space more effectively than traditional posts or barriers would have.
Visibility
Resigning Brussels Minister of Mobility Elke Van den Brandt expressed her discontent with Dilliès’ actions, underscoring the utmost importance of visibility for pedestrians, particularly children. “That is why it is prohibited to park five meters in front of a zebra crossing,” she asserted.
Van den Brandt further noted, “Parking spaces have been set up in many places. That’s illegal. So if we place bicycle staples there, it is not just to provide more bicycle parking. But especially to improve road safety.” She concluded, “I am surprised that road safety and the highway code are treated so lightly in Uccle.”
At this time, Brussels Mobility has chosen not to disclose the potential consequences the municipality may face for its intervention. “We will first schedule a meeting with them so that the municipal council can clarify its intentions,” they stated.
**Interview: The Uccle Cycling Controversy with Mayor Boris Dilliès**
**Interviewer (I):** Thank you for joining us, Mayor Dilliès. Uccle has become the center of a cycling debate after the recent installation of bicycle staples on Waterloosesteenweg. Can you start by explaining what prompted your decision to remove these staples?
**Boris Dilliès (BD):** Thank you for having me. The decision to remove the bicycle staples stemmed from several concerns raised by local businesses and residents. The staples were taking up valuable parking space, which, as I argued, complicated access to our local shops. Maintaining a thriving local economy is crucial, and these staples were reportedly costing us ten potential parking spots.
**I:** You’ve mentioned the lack of communication from Brussels Mobility. Can you elaborate on why this was an issue?
**BD:** Of course. It was perplexing that the bicycle staples were installed without any consultation with the municipality or the local traders. Effective communication is essential in local governance. When decisions are made without input from those who are directly affected, it creates unnecessary tension. It’s essential to have discussions before implementing changes, especially when they impact businesses and the community.
**I:** Some might argue that the bicycle staples were meant to promote cycling and make the roads safer. How do you respond to that perspective?
**BD:** I’m not against cycling at all. In fact, I believe we need to find a balanced approach that accommodates cyclists, motorists, and local businesses. However, any infrastructure intended to promote cycling must be thoughtfully integrated into the existing urban landscape. We need to consider the broader implications of such installations, primarily how they affect local foot traffic and business revenues.
**I:** There’s a perception that this issue has polarized the community. How can we bridge this divide between cycling advocates and merchants?
**BD:** This is where dialogue becomes crucial. We need to bring stakeholders to the table—cyclists, local merchants, and municipal representatives—to discuss potential solutions. Perhaps we can explore designs or modifications that allow for both bicycle access and sufficient parking. Collaborative discussions can yield creative solutions that respect everyone’s needs.
**I:** What steps do you see moving forward for this situation?
**BD:** We need to have a meeting with Brussels Mobility as soon as possible to address these issues directly. I urge everyone involved to come with open minds and a willingness to collaborate. It’s about finding common ground so that Uccle can be both a cyclist-friendly and business-friendly environment.
**I:** Thank you, Mayor Dilliès. Your insights shed light on a complex issue that is often swept under the rug in urban planning discussions.
**BD:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep talking about these matters in order to find solutions that work for all of Uccle’s residents.
