Flanders Surpasses Denmark as Europe's Cycling Hub, Aims for 30% Bike Commute by 2040

September 15, 2025
Flanders Surpasses Denmark as Europe's Cycling Hub, Aims for 30% Bike Commute by 2040
  • The growth of cycling across regions like Antwerp, Ghent, and Brussels is largely driven by investments in infrastructure such as bridges, cycle highways, and safe intersections, which have made biking more accessible and appealing.

  • Flanders has become Europe's second-largest cycling region, surpassing Denmark and ranking just behind the Netherlands, with approximately 20% of journeys made by bike.

  • Antwerp's bike-sharing system stands out as a particularly successful example of urban cycling initiatives.

  • Despite overall growth, regional disparities persist, with dense urban areas exceeding 20% cycling rates, while less dense regions like Limburg and parts of Brussels struggle with rates closer to 10% due to dispersed housing, car dependence, and cultural barriers.

  • To further promote cycling, the government is launching lessons and awareness campaigns aimed at groups less familiar with biking, including migrant communities.

  • Officials see significant potential for further growth, especially for trips under five kilometers, and aim for 30% of all trips to be by bike by 2040, supported by over 300 million euros in annual investments.

Summary based on 1 source


Get a daily email with more Belgium News stories

Source

More Stories