2023-10-10 14:19:00
This weekend, to mark the 30th anniversary of Beliris, the footbridge between rue Gray and rue du Scepter was inaugurated. The infrastructure makes it possible to connect the two Ixelles streets separated by a difference in height of 17 meters. An investment of 1.6 million euros.
But as soon as the ribbon was cut, criticism arose on social networks from cyclists. “I strongly advise cyclists not to use it,” laments an account well known in the Brussels cycling community on X, referring to “Bike-washing”.
Supporting video, the Internet user exposes the narrowness of the channel, unsuitable for wide bicycles and cargo bike type vehicles. But according to the images, even a classic bike passes with difficulty. “It’s not a cycle-pedestrian bridge, it’s a staircase”, quips the Internet user, also criticizing the slope which is too steep.
Ixelles now has a new cycle-pedestrian bridge: the infrastructure connecting rue Gray to rue du Scepter inaugurated this Saturday
“Although knowing that this would not be suitable for all types of bikes”
Contacted, Beliris defends the choice of stairs and confirms that the infrastructure is not suitable for “all types of bicycles”. “Due to the large height difference of 17 meters between rue du Scepter and rue Gray, a staircase was the only option. We still wanted to offer cyclists the possibility of using this passage by putting a channel there, knowing that this would not be suitable for all types of bicycles,” indicates the spokesperson for the federal institution.
A new access to connect Rue Gray and Avenue de la Couronne, an elevator, a square…: the “canker” of the between-two-bridges will soon be transformed
The editorial team wanted to test the device… but without success. While it was inaugurated, the infrastructure was closed this Tuesday. A construction crew was busy sanding, making access impossible and prohibited. “The footbridge was open to the public over the weekend for Beliris’s 30th anniversary but there is still some work to finalize the project,” confirms Beliris, without being able to give an opening date.
When contacted, Gracq also said it was concerned regarding the infrastructure and deplored not having been more concerted. “I wanted to try it, but it was closed,” also testifies the Brussels manager Florine Cuignet. “But from what I saw, the chute is not suitable. It’s quite incomprehensible.” Gracq hopes that it will still be possible to “make up for it” by making adjustments.
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