On Car-Free Sunday, millions of people embraced the streets across numerous towns and cities in Belgium, utilizing various forms of non-motorized transportation, including

walking, cycling, roller skating, and horseback riding.

This annual event coincides with European Mobility Week, which spans from September 16th to 22nd. During this time, roads are temporarily closed to motorized vehicles, with exceptions made for public transport, emergency vehicles, and those who have obtained prior exemptions.

In Brussels, public transportation is free for the day, and a series of communal activities are organized, such as workshops, poetry readings, and a bike polo tournament. The open house event at the public transport operator STIB's depot in Haren attracted nearly 3,000 visitors this year.

Brussels Mobility Minister Elke Van den Brandt (Groen) hailed the event's success in the capital, expressing her desire to host a Car-Free Sunday every month. She has proposed this idea to various mayors, with plans to initiate a second event during the Iris Festival in May next year.

Sustainable mobility organization Mobiel 21 characterized the day as one where "streets were reclaimed by the people," offering social interaction, relaxation, and tranquility in public spaces. Their data indicates that 3.6 million individuals participated in Car-Free Sunday in Flanders and Brussels.

Sanne Vanderstraeten, a spokesperson for Mobiel 21, emphasized that "a car-free Sunday inspires and motivates" and allows people to witness the possibilities when cars no longer dominate roadways. In light of climate objectives and the renewed focus on people-friendly mobility, Car-Free Sunday has gained even greater relevance.

Cyclists' associations Fietstersbond and GRACQ attempted to create the world's longest bicycle chain, spanning from Brussels to Halle in Flanders and Tubize in Wallonia. Unfortunately, the endeavor fell short due to insufficient participants. Their goal was to demonstrate that "cyclists are not confined by regional borders." Spokesperson Wies Callens urged policymakers at all levels to continue investing in cycling infrastructure to further promote this mode of transportation.

Meanwhile, King Philippe and his eldest son, Prince Gabriel, cycled through Antwerp, where the city center observed Car-Free Sunday. They embarked on their journey at the photography museum, exploring various landmarks throughout the city, including Park Spoor Noord, Het Steen fortress, and the Museum aan de Stroom.

Additionally, new works by local poets were unveiled on six streets in Antwerp, commissioned by Recht Op Lucht, a citizens' collective advocating for cleaner air in the city. These poetic creations were inscribed on the ground in meter-high letters on streets transformed into car-free play areas.

Marlies Lenaerts, a spokesperson for Recht Op Lucht, highlighted the event's significance, emphasizing the potential for improved road safety, health, and quality of life when reimagining street usage collectively.

Apart from Brussels, other Flemish municipalities that embraced a car-free day included Ghent, Bruges, Aalst, Mechelen, Ypres, and Kortrijk. In Wallonia, several town centers temporarily barred motorized traffic, with Ath in Hainaut and Ans in Liège province completely car-free for the occasion. Photo by Roby, Wikimedia commons.