2023-11-22 10:28:25
“I’m willing to hear the criticism. But I want you to hear the things that are good!“It is with this formula that the Brussels Minister of Mobility decided to defend Good Move, this Tuesday, in committee of the Brussels Parliament …And supporting figures. Coming to present the budgetary options in terms of mobility and public transport policy, Elke Van den Brandt (Groen) answered multiple questions from the deputies, particularly in terms of the implementation of Good Move, this plan aimed at creating peaceful neighborhoods, safer and free of transit traffic, in several municipalities.
“We must learn lessons from what happened at Cage aux Ours (Editor’s note: Schaerbeek) and in Cureghem (Editor’s note: Anderlecht)”, declared the minister, recalling that it is in these two districts that the anti-Good Move fronds was the most virulent. “It is important. What the municipality of Schaerbeek did to resume dialogue was necessary. I even deplore that this one did not go through to the end.“
Recently, the impeded mayor Bernard Clerfayt (DéFi) announced la suspension de Good Move in the Stephenson-Cage aux Ours district and the resumption of dialogue with local residents following the municipal elections of October 2024.
37% less transit traffic
“I know that we are focusing on these neighborhoods with great enthusiasm“, in any case continued Minister Van den Brandt. “But I also want to give the results of where we have implemented peaceful neighborhoods.“
Example with the Azalées districtstill in Schaerbeek, where a Good Move network was established in 2021. There, on the edge of Josaphat Park, “transit traffic is reduced by 37%, the number of cyclists has increased by 38%, the speed of public transport has increased“, explains the minister. “Bus 46: 4 to 5 minutes during evening rush hours. Trams 25 and 66 gain almost a minute and a half. The results are in. I’m willing to hear the criticism. But I want you to hear the things that are good! This makes for a much more balanced debate, in my opinion.“
Now head to the Pentagon, in Brussels, which tasted Good Move during the Covid crisis. “27% less transit traffic, 36% more cyclists! Lines 92 and 93 go 10 to 20% faster during peak hours. Buses 29, 46, 63, 65, 66, 89 go up to five minutes faster in the city center.“
Faced with tensions that are still palpable in the neighborhoods where Good Move was imposed without consultationaccording to locals, “there are still knots, there are still things to resolve, to improve. But“, adds Elke Van den Brandt, addressing the committee deputies, “if you criticize, also hear the things that are going well. Because I think if we invest in the quality of life of Brussels residents, we must have a debate on implementation. If you say that you agree on the ambitions, then ask yourself what we can learn from positive things, what we can learn from the City of Brussels… Let’s look together for the best ways to move forward in this debate. Brussels deserves it.“
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