Vooruit.brussels is asking the Brussels government to keep shared bikes in the capital. It was announced on Thursday that the current permits for all shared micromobility providers must be terminated by 1 September 2026. This means that, in addition to shared e-scooters, shared bikes will also disappear from the streets. “Shared bikes are an essential part of Brussels” mobility today," Vooruit.brussels stated.
Vooruit.brussels supports the decision to no longer permit shared e-scooters in the capital. The problems associated with them have been known for some time, but the party considers it a step too far that all shared bicycles now also risk disappearing.
“Brussels is in danger of losing a popular and accessible means of transport used by thousands of Bruxellois every day,” it is stated, “Shared bikes make sustainable mobility accessible to everyone and are an essential part of the current offer. That fits perfectly within our vision of a solidary city.”
Furthermore, the Brussels bicycle provision is threatened with even further reduction. It was previously decided to let the Villo! concession expire, while a fully-fledged successor could still take years to arrive. If the private shared bikes disappear as well, very little will remain of the shared cycling provision in our capital. That is difficult to understand and a frustrating realisation for many Brussels residents.
Feeling of safety at night
For the socialists, there is also another important aspect: shared bikes offer many Brussels girls and women a sense of security when getting around the city in the evening or at night. We know that the feeling of insecurity is high at those times and that many of them prefer not to travel on foot. Shared bikes are often an accessible and affordable means of getting home safely at those moments.
“We continue to fight for a quality nightlife in Brussels. That also includes ensuring everyone can get home safely. We cannot expect girls and women to have to pay for a taxi or Uber every time to get home safely after a night out in the city.”
Vooruit.brussels therefore hopes that Minister for Mobility Elke Van den Brandt (Groen) will take these concerns seriously when she enters into discussions with the operators in the coming weeks. In that context, Vooruit.brussels is willing to approve a legal framework or a temporary tolerance arrangement that will enable operators to keep shared bicycles.