The whole of Brussels will be closed off to cars this Sunday, giving locals and tourists the space to rediscover the pleasure of walking, cycling or travelling by public transport throughout the region.
The region will be closed from 09:30 until 19:00. 'King Car' will make way for vulnerable road users, and the usually car-heavy streets will be bustling with festivities. From the longest chain of bicycles to a family-friendly street party, get outside this Sunday to explore Brussels in a safer, more relaxing way!
What to do on Car-Free Sunday
Beursschouwburg Street Party
A Car-Free Brussels favourite, the Beursschouwburg Street Party will once again open up its doors with a free brunch. 500 fried eggs and watermelons will be served between 11:00 and 13:00, accompanied by music by Lengelhair from noon.
Car-Free Sunday, 18 September 2022. Credit: Orlando Whitehead
In the early afternoon, there will be several activities on offer for children in the Beurscafé, including make-up, DIY mocktails and dance workshops by a professional dancer. There will also be a party accompanied by DJ Meex dub.
Later in the day, Rue Auguste Orts – the home of the art centre near Bourse – will roar with the bass of 54 SOUND's sound system, the solid bass of 54KOLAKTIV and a b2b by Rrita Jashari and Ojoo.
Find more information here.
Longest Bicycle Chain
Join a bicycle chain spreading across the three Belgian regions on Sunday, joyfully bringing cyclists together but also calling on politicians to permanently commit to a robust cycling policy.
There are different starting points for each region: along the Charleroi-Brussels canal from Tubeke in Wallonia, in Halle, Beersel, Sint-Pieters-Leeuw in Flanders and at Porte de Ninove Park in Brussels. From the sporadic cyclist to the daily die-hard who commutes by bicycle, everyone is welcome.
Along the way, you can decorate your bike or show your toughest side on the Pumptrack. Or, make practical use of this joined moment to learn all about the road code.
The starting point for the chain in Brussels will be at the Porte de Ninove Park around 14:00. Find more information here.
Pumptrack competition
Members of the BXL Pump Park (on Rue Dieudonné Lefèvre) challenge bicycle enthusiasts and daredevils to take on Carlos and Julie-Anne, the club's coach and a club member who have both set best times on the Pumptrack.
Credit: Orlando Whitehead
Find out how fast you are on your two-wheeled vehicle by attempting to beat their record times on a full lap. Whoever manages to do so will win a prize. A professional timing system will also be present.
Everyone is encouraged to participate in this free event: there are no losers, only winners! Stick around to enjoy the music and chilled drinks.
Find more information here.
Bicycle fair in Etterbeek
Make your way to the Grand Bicycle Fair at the MAHMA (House of Active Mobility) in Etterbeek. Here, the day will also start with a free breakfast. Residents of Etterbeek who want to sell their bikes can do so during the fair.
The municipality is organising a wide range of other activities for this special mobility day on Van Meyel Square and Rue General Leman. There will be a bicycle trail for children, as well as road safety activities, bicycle engraving stands, a playground with giant wooden games and food stands.
Find more information here.
Educational bicycle workshops
No need to worry if your bicycle is suffering from a flat tyre, squeaky chain or unruly brakes: this workshop will teach you how to fix your own two-wheeler for stress-free cycling fun.
The workshops will take place in Auderghem (Boulevard du Triomphe), Woluwe-Saint-Lambert (Rue Voot) and Ixelles (Rue Gray).
Spontaneity
While the many activities planned across Brussels will keep you busy all day, the best part about Car-Free Sunday in Brussels is simply enjoying the peace and quiet and taking back the streets. Start your day early before the masses of pedestrians and cyclists take to the streets. If you are early enough, you may find yourself cycling alone along the capital's largest avenues.
Car-Free Sunday last year. Credit: Orlando Whitehead
Later in the day, once the city comes to life, wander or cycle around to discover the many spontaneous and local street parties. Across the 19 communes, zones will be filled with bouncy castles, food trucks and stalls, live music and performances for young and old; take your time to take it all in.
Find more information here.
Practical information
The entire Brussels-Capital Region will be closed off to motorised vehicles, excluding taxis, (tour) buses, emergency services, disabled drivers and diplomatic corps. People can apply for an exemption, but these are only granted under specific circumstances.
As access roads will be gradually closed and reopened, it is possible there will be traffic disruption before and after the scheduled hours. Some streets where activities are taking place may remain closed for longer.
The public transport offer will be extended throughout the day and the region. Brussels public transport company STIB's trams, metros and buses and De Lijn's bus network within Brussels will be free of charge on Sunday. National railway company SNCB will also offer €8 tickets for return journeys to destinations across the entire country.
The Brussels tunnels will not only be closed to traffic but are also off-limits to cyclists and pedestrians on Sunday for safety reasons. Those who are planning to be out and about on Sunday have been asked to adhere to the traffic rules.
