Belgians were most likely to travel on foot (95%) and by car (94%) in 2022, followed by public transport (64%) and cycling (56%) as sustainable mobility is gaining ground, partly because of environmental and climate challenges.
Almost a third of cyclists (31%) wanted to bicycle more over the next year, while one in five non-cyclists indicated a desire to take up cycling, an FPS Mobility survey of 4,600 Belgians aged between 18 and 79 found.
"Even if intentions do not always translate into actual behavioural change, these high figures show the growing popularity of cycling in society," the survey stated. Additionally, 14% of non-electric bicycle users said they were considering switching to electric bikes.
Nearly half (44%) of respondents said they never cycle; that percentage is notably lower in Flanders (26%) than in Brussels (65%) and Wallonia (70%).
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"Although more and more Belgians travel by bicycle, only some of these trips are utilitarian (such as going to work or shopping), meaning only some may lead to a modal transfer out of the car," it added.
The results of a similar study carried out in the Brussels-Capital Region earlier this week also showed that 36% of all trips in Brussels are currently undertaken by foot – up from 32% in 2010.
This shows that travelling by foot or bicycle is becoming increasingly popular in the Belgian capital, as the Good Move mobility plan and public investment in bicycle lanes and pedestrian zones have led to a significant shift in the commuting habits of Brussels residents.
