A majority of Brussels residents would like to see more car-free days introduced in the capital, with one in four supporting at least 12 such days a year, according to a new survey commissioned by the non-profit organisation Les chercheurs d’air.
The survey, conducted by independent research institute Dedicated, found that 70% of respondents would like to see more car-free days in the Brussels-Capital Region.
While Brussels currently holds an annual Car-Free Sunday, support for additional days extends across different groups of residents.
According to the survey, 21% of respondents believe there should be at least two car-free days per year, while 24% would support at least four. Another 25% said they were in favour of having at least 12 car-free days each year.
Support for at least one additional car-free day was recorded among both car owners and people without cars, as well as across different age groups and among both parents and people without children.
More car-free days in summer
Pierre Dornier, director of Les chercheurs d’air, said the results show broad support for expanding the initiative. “Car-free days enjoy unequivocal support from Brussels residents. They provide peace and quiet, space to play and spend time together, while also improving air quality,” he said.
Dornier suggested that additional days could be organised during the summer, when traffic levels are lower. “It would also be an opportunity to provide more outdoor space and activities for Brussels residents who do not have the opportunity to go on holiday,” he added.
The organisation is also calling on Woluwe-Saint-Lambert to approve a second car-free day and on the Brussels Region to introduce additional days during the summer.
Cyclists pictured during a car free Sunday, in Brussels, Sunday 21 September 2025. Credit: Belga
The organisation argues that introducing additional car-free days would not necessarily require major new restrictions. Days could, for example, coincide with major sporting or festive events that already significantly reduce road traffic.
The 20km of Brussels is cited as one possible occasion. Additional car-free days could also be scheduled during quieter periods such as the summer holidays.
The survey was commissioned by Les chercheurs d’air and carried out online among 1,000 Brussels residents aged 18 and over between 2 and 12 April 2026. Respondents were randomly selected from Dedicated’s panel, with the sample weighted according to gender, age, municipality and car ownership.
