The traditional Car-Free Sunday will close Mobility Week on 22 September in Brussels. For the occasion, STIB transport will be free, SNCB will offer a reduced-price train ticket and many activities will liven up the capital.
At the end of a week focused on local initiatives and savings in mobility, the Brussels-Capital Region transforms for a day into a huge playground for lovers of walking, running, cycling, rollerblading, scootering or any other non-motorized vehicle. Access to the Region will be prohibited to cars from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.Only those with an exemption will be able to use their vehicle during this period.
The access roads will be gradually closed this morning and reopened this evening, meaning that the Traffic may also be disrupted before and after scheduled times.. Even after 7 p.m., some neighborhoods may still be closed, due to events and activities. Don’t rush to Brussels at 7pm. This will help you avoid long traffic jams and security issues.” warns Brussels Mobility.
A “Mobility Ticket”, free STIB transport
To reach the capital, it is advisable to use public transport. The SNCB will offer a “Mobility Ticket” at the price of eight euros return, valid on the entire rail network. In Brussels, STIB transport will be free, with an enhanced offer for most metro, bus and tram lines.
Brussels Mobility also recalls that the Highway code remains applicable for cyclists and pedestrians on this car-free Sunday. “Please pay attention to traffic lights, the direction of traffic and priority rules,” stresses Brussels Mobility. In addition, “pedestrians must stay on the sidewalk.” It should also be noted that ” All tunnels will be closed to traffic and prohibited to pedestrians and cyclists« .
Activities
Many activities will punctuate the day. On the Grand-Place and in the historic centre, concerts, processions of giants and fanfares will exalt Brussels folklore. The Brussels-Capital-Ixelles police zone will hold a police village on the Place De Brouckère, while in the Dansaert districtcultural institutions such as the Bronks and the Beursschouwburg will welcome young and old to a festive playground, a brunch or a “street party”.
On the Ixelles side, the Châtelain district will make way for its traditional flea market, among other activities. It will also be possible to test new means of transport and discover how to save money on travel at the Mobility village on Boulevard de Waterloo. In Wallonia, other city centres such as Ath, Spa, Aiseau-Presles and Comines will also ban cars from entering that Sunday. A car-free day is also organized at Antwerp.
King Philippe will also be taking his traditional bike ride on Car-Free Sunday. This year, he will be passing through the city of Mechelen.