Cities are defined by how people navigate them and transport patterns leave a lasting impression of the urban space, for visitors and residents alike. London without the tube is unimaginable; Amsterdam without bicycles unrecognisable.
But what about Brussels? Whereas landmarks are conserved, how we move between them is not set in stone and has evolved greatly, transforming the city in the process. Boulevards that today are pedestrian thoroughfares were clogged highways not long ago. More recent alterations to circulation plans have further diminished traffic in some neighbourhoods. Elsewhere "guerilla urbanism" have replaced black bitumen with ochre bike lanes.
The changes aren't ever to everyone's liking and can provoke fierce backlash, regardless of best intentions or tangible benefits. Urban mobility is at once both a personal and public affair. It can stir up deep sentiment, whether in the attachment to daily routine or frustration for perceived inefficiencies. When running smoothly, getting around town isn't something we think about. But interrupt the regular flow and irritation spreads rapidly.
Given how central it is to the general function of the city, mobility is an important battleground in this year's election – in Brussels especially, where the STIB public transport network represents the Capital Region's greatest expense. For Brussels Mayor Philippe Close, it's money well spent and is critical infrastructure not only for Brussels but for Belgium as a whole.
But there are other means of getting around, especially with individual transport modes. E-scooters are a popular choice, despite the nuisance they create with poor parking and reckless riding. More people are enjoying the freedom of a bicycle, though others have reservations about safety on streets filled with road furniture and road works.
And whilst some of us dream of more frequent Car Free Sundays, a 100% pedal-powered Brussels would also not be practical, even in a country with as rich a cycling pedigree as Belgium. See here for the mobility proposals driving this election.
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The leader of the Francophone socialist PS party Paul Magnette does "not want to waste a second" on negotiations about confederalism with the Flemish nationalists, he said in a frank but courteous hour-long debate with N-VA leader Bart De Wever on Tuesday night. Read more.
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Good Move, the construction of Metro 3 or scattered e-scooters – mobility in Brussels is a topic heavily on many people's minds. With the elections rapidly approaching, the mobility policies of political parties have been assessed. Read more.
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4. Eurostar now manages its entire network from Brussels
Eurostar, the high-speed train network, has shifted all its operations to a new centre in Brussels, the railway company announced on Tuesday. The centre will employ around 100 staff. Read more.
5. Belgian police raid European Parliament offices over Russian propaganda network
Belgian police conducted a series of raids on Wednesday at the residence and offices of a European Parliament employee in Schaerbeek over allegations of involvement in Russian influence. Read more.
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Belgians have more in common than some politicians claim. They should stick together, not split up. Read more.
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