As promised, this year's Car Free Sunday provided a unique moment to understand that the way we navigate the city changes its essential nature. As throngs of cyclists and pedestrians revelled in taking to the tarmac typically reserved for cars, the sense of adventure was even stronger for being in a space we know so well.
And as seen last year, the question that many were asking themselves over the course of the day was put to politicians on Monday morning: Will Brussels have more car-free days? The Capital Region's mobility minister Elke Van den Brandt acknowledged the popularity and general demand for more frequent versions of the day, though was unable to say whether more will be introduced.
Notwithstanding the enormous enthusiasm among participants, the logistics of enforcing a car-free day across the entire Brussels region (subdivided into 19 municipalities) are considerable, nor would they receive unanimous support. Already the Brussels government gave up on a proposal to hold more such days, deeming the effort "too much of a burden on the budget".
At the same time, there are certain residents who would be less in favour of repeating the concept on a more regular basis – those who live further from the city centre are more prone to see the day as a nuisance rather than festivity. Then there are other local policies to limit the circulation of vehicles in Brussels – the flagship Good Move project has its share of detractors, many tearing down signage and even directing abuse and threats at city administrators.
But whilst the value that some people attach to driving makes them less eager to indulge in more anti-car policies, city planners understand that this is a far more pleasant than the alternative: having no option but to prohibit cars as pollution reaches critical levels. The urban smogs associated with industrializing cities can happen here, too.
Perhaps days like yesterday will provide the nudge to show that it's not all or nothing, we can rein in "king car" without having to reimagine Brussels entirely. In Mexico City, cars are forbidden from the city's roads from 08:00 – 14:00 three Sundays each month; Barcelona's "superblocks" has transformed districts whilst not completely outlawing driving. Could we take inspiration?
If anything, Car Free Sunday highlights just how attached some of us are to both the vehicles themselves, as well as the less tangible liberty they bring us. But too often this established individual freedom comes at a cost to public health that we are only starting to recognise. Whether through particulate matter, road accidents, or noise – pollution from driving is holding Brussels back.
Do you want more days like yesterday? Let @Orlando_tbt know.
Belgium in Brief is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your coffee break conversations. To receive it straight to your inbox every day, sign up below:
1. Don't just bin it, sort it: Brussels fines people who ignore new waste rules
In mid-May, Brussels reformed its waste collection procedure, amending calendars and now enforcing the use of orange bin bags for organic matter. Those who overlook the sorting regulations will henceforth receive fines. Read more.
2. 'Most beautiful Brussels': Car-Free Sunday in pictures
Millions of people enjoyed Car-Free Sunday across Belgium, including in Brussels which was transformed into the largest zone without polluting vehicles, with a general festival feel spreading across the capital region. Read more.
3. Deliveroo, but laundry: Belgian startup digitalises the washing industry
Belgian startup WOSH offers sustainable laundry cleaning and delivery services in Brussels, Leuven and Ghent through a few quick taps on their application. Read more.
4. 'Frightening and catastrophic': Leading judge warns of rising crime in Belgium
Belgium is entering "a new era of crime" which could have "catastrophic" consequences for the average citizen, a leading judge has claimed. Read more.
5. Brussels Days: Belgian capital to promote economy and tourism in Madrid and Barcelona
Brussels representatives have travelled abroad to promote the region since 2006 and for this year's campaign, they will visit two cities in Spain: Madrid and Barcelona. Read more.
6. Vlaams Belang leader causes a stir after attending official Walloon Day festivities
Leader of the far-right Flemish party Vlaams Belang Tom Van Grieken ruffled Walloon feathers this weekend after revealing he was invited to the region's official festivities in Namur. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: International Magazine Store
Are you looking for the latest issue of Interview magazine? Or have you spent a futile Saturday afternoon searching every store in Brussels for the Italian edition of Elle? Read more.
