Brussels Region launches first in its kind regional plan for walking

The plan consists of 10 guidelines to enhance the quality of infrastructure, to allow more walking trips. Pedestrian network development, with reduction of detours, obstacles and pedestrian friendly traffic light phasing is one of the guidelines. Walking is seen as an important feeder mode for public transport and bicycle rental. The region will increase its number of pedestrian streets: currently 5 kilometers are car free, that should grow to 20 kilometers. Safety is an important issue in the plan: four out of ten death and heavily injured in traffic in the Brussels Region are pedestrians. Speed of motorised traffic (including public transport) will be reduced near crossings and in shared space.

The plan does not provide a concrete list of actions, e.g. black spots that should be addressed. It is a strategic plan that needs to be mainstreamed in several urban policies. The pedestrian plan is first in its kind in Belgium. Only a limited number of European cities have developed similar plans. Brussels mentions specifically Genève and Lyon as examples.

For more information, contact icre@polisnetwork.eu

Source: De Standaard