Brussels by Bike: the greenest and safest ride along the water in Brussels
Updated on July 15, 2024 by Pierre
Brussels by Bike: a safe and green ride along the canal
Looking for the best safe and flat cycling route in Brussels ? This should delight you! While many cycle paths have sprung up in the center of Brussels, they might not be the ideal place to ride with children . The same goes if your bike has been sitting in your garage for 10 years and you've finally decided to take it out. Experienced cyclists know that tram tracks are also a deadly hazard. Once wet, they become like ice rinks when bike wheels get caught on them.
If you want to cycle along the water, you don't necessarily have to go to the ravel in Namur. Have you ever thought of the Brussels canal? Of course, the place is only ideal with children if they have already mastered the bike. Because who says canal, says watercourse!
Before going any further, these articles might interest you:
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The success of Ravel and 'bicycle network'next to the cancal of Brussels
More and more cyclists are using the regional cycle route that runs alongside the Brussels canal . It's ideal for tourism and sustainable mobility. You feel like you're in the countryside , yet you're just a few kilometers from Brussels. This route could therefore be the best place to cycle in Brussels. This section is part of the ICR (Regional Cycle Route) as well as the European Green Network (REVER).
In Brussels, the route opts for a coherent layout, guaranteeing you as far as possible bidirectional cycle paths. These are generally located as close as possible to the waterway, on the left bank of the Brussels canal.
Here are some recommended places this bike ride will take you through. For transporting children on your bike, also consider cargo bikes in Brussels.
1. By bike next to the Buda Bridge: an industrial lift bridge
2. A Royal itinerary: Domaine de Laeken, Royal greenhouses and Château à Vélo.
Royal greenhouses of LAEKEN
Don't forget to take a break during your bike ride to admire the grounds. Be aware that access to the grounds of King Philippe's official residence is restricted. To visit the greenhouses, you'll need to arrive at the right time. Every year for a century, the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken Castle have opened their doors in the spring. For approximately three weeks, the public can visit Laeken Castle ( Avenue du Parc Royal – 1020 Brussels (Laeken)) to explore this floral marvel and admire numerous rare species. The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken are among the most popular monuments built in Belgium in the 19th century. To be precise, they were established in 1873. Their creator, the architect Alphonse Balat, designed them for King Leopold II, a fervent lover of flowers and plants, particularly camellias. This plant was one of his favorites during his travels.
3. Docks Bruxelles: a shopping center accessible by bike!
If you've ever dreamed of going to a shopping center by bike, now you can! The Docks Brussels shopping center, which opened in October 2016, offers you the opportunity to shop by bicycle. If you're not already familiar with it, the center is called " Docks Bruxsel ." In total, nearly 40.000 square meters of retail space await 8.000.000 visitors each year.
The developers of the Docks Brussels shopping center wanted it to be well-balanced. This is why the stores on site are so diverse. You'll find cafes, restaurants, classic fashion stores (such as H&M, Zara, Michael Kors, etc.), as well as home accessories (Maison du Monde, Rituals, etc.), a Match supermarket , and even a cinema. In total, no fewer than 110 stores guarantee a successful shopping experience.
If you want to buy a bike, you won't find it at Docks, but rather in a traditional bike shop.
4. Pedal along Avenue du Port, witness to Brussels' industrial heritage
Cycle along the Avenue du Port to discover a privileged witness to Brussels' industrial heritage. As you know, the canal has a history closely linked to Brussels' economic development . Today, three non-profit organizations emphasize the historical importance of Brussels' last remaining industrial and port avenue. It boasts the largest continuous paved surface in Brussels. They advocate for the restoration of the cobblestones and the preservation of this majestic avenue's dimensions. As you cycle along this avenue, you'll pass Tour&Taxi, the former home of Culinaria!
So far, the walk is about 11 kilometers. You are then free to continue by bike. You will pass through Place Sainctelette (Ninove Gate). A lovely 2,5-meter-long cycle path runs alongside the canal here. Next, you'll reach Quai de Mariemont and its one-way cycle path. The route then crosses to the right bank to reach Quai de l'Industrie before returning to the left bank via the Pont des Hospices. Further on, beyond the Delacroix metro station, another beautiful cycle path awaits. This one runs alongside the canal and leads to the Biestebroeck basin. If you still have the energy, you can continue your walk along the towpath on the right bank towards Hal, Ittre, and Ronquières.
Barely a foot in the Belgian capital, Pierre launched “InsideBrussels.be” more than 10 years ago, the idea is simple: “What to do? Where to go to eat or have a drink? “. Entrepreneur at heart, this is not his first project! Far from there. EatLocal.io; KingCard.be, Bricabrac.be … Like wine, with time the project improves!
Pierre does not hesitate to share his favorites and his best addresses of Brussels restaurants that he could recommend to you with his eyes closed.
