Rethinking parking: How Brussels is making space for cargo bikes
Marion’s dilemma
Outside the bike shop "Le Petit Pédaleur," Marion was waiting for her husband and reminiscing about her days as a student living in an old building in the centre of Brussels. Back then, she had perfected the art of manoeuvring her bike into the tiny elevator, bringing it up to her fourth-floor apartment. After having two bikes stolen from the street, locking it to a pole was no longer an option. It had taken numerous attempts, blocking the elevator and provoking the anger of the neighbours, who were impatient to find the elevator occupied but who did not want to hear of granting her the privilege of leaving the bike in the hall of the building. Luckily, her across-the-hall neighbour had quickly helped her figure out the complicated puzzle, and she had become quite adept at it.
Now, things were different. She was no longer alone; she had a family of three. Together with her husband, they had decided to save up and buy a so-called long tail, which they had fallen in love with after testing one for two weeks for free – what a fantastic initiative by Pro Velo! With all the money they were about to spend, the thought of the cargo bike being stolen was terrifying. When she and Charles bought their apartment a few years ago, they still had a car, and parking was relatively easy to find. They hadn’t considered looking for an apartment with facilities for cargo bikes. How would they manage now? The elevator wasn’t an option. They could buy a good lock and subscribe to theft or damage insurance (more expenses, sigh), but in any case, they would have been exposed to bureaucratic delays and endless waiting times. Since they had decided to use the cargo bike for school runs, grocery shopping, and other daily errands, they couldn’t afford to be without it for weeks.
Outside the bike shop "Le Petit Pédaleur," Marion was waiting for her husband and reminiscing about her days as a student living in an old building in the centre of Brussels. Back then, she had perfected the art of manoeuvring her bike into the tiny elevator, bringing it up to her fourth-floor apartment. After having two bikes stolen from the street, locking it to a pole was no longer an option. It had taken numerous attempts, blocking the elevator and provoking the anger of the neighbours, who were impatient to find the elevator occupied but who did not want to hear of granting her the privilege of leaving the bike in the hall of the building. Luckily, her across-the-hall neighbour had quickly helped her figure out the complicated puzzle, and she had become quite adept at it.
Now, things were different. She was no longer alone; she had a family of three. Together with her husband, they had decided to save up and buy a so-called long tail, which they had fallen in love with after testing one for two weeks for free – what a fantastic initiative by Pro Velo! With all the money they were about to spend, the thought of the cargo bike being stolen was terrifying. When she and Charles bought their apartment a few years ago, they still had a car, and parking was relatively easy to find. They hadn’t considered looking for an apartment with facilities for cargo bikes. How would they manage now? The elevator wasn’t an option. They could buy a good lock and subscribe to theft or damage insurance (more expenses, sigh), but in any case, they would have been exposed to bureaucratic delays and endless waiting times. Since they had decided to use the cargo bike for school runs, grocery shopping, and other daily errands, they couldn’t afford to be without it for weeks.
Parking challenges: limited space, rising theft
Marion’s concerns about secure parking, theft, and accessibility reflected the broader challenges faced by cargo bike users in Brussels. The city struggles with limited urban space, a lack of larger parking facilities suited for cargo bikes, and the absence of clear urban planning regulations mandating such infrastructure. These factors complicate efforts to meet growing demand and make cargo bike parking convenient and secure.
Adding to these difficulties is the worrying rise in bicycle theft. Between 2015 and 2022, reported thefts in Brussels surged by 70%, climbing from 2,900 to over 5,000 annually. Nearly 29% of cyclists have experienced theft in the past two years, making it a significant deterrent for potential users. Thefts in central Brussels are concentrated in public spaces, while the outskirts experience more incidents on private property. This creates a dual challenge for the city to address both public and private space vulnerabilities.
Marion’s concerns about secure parking, theft, and accessibility reflected the broader challenges faced by cargo bike users in Brussels. The city struggles with limited urban space, a lack of larger parking facilities suited for cargo bikes, and the absence of clear urban planning regulations mandating such infrastructure. These factors complicate efforts to meet growing demand and make cargo bike parking convenient and secure.
Adding to these difficulties is the worrying rise in bicycle theft. Between 2015 and 2022, reported thefts in Brussels surged by 70%, climbing from 2,900 to over 5,000 annually. Nearly 29% of cyclists have experienced theft in the past two years, making it a significant deterrent for potential users. Thefts in central Brussels are concentrated in public spaces, while the outskirts experience more incidents on private property. This creates a dual challenge for the city to address both public and private space vulnerabilities.
A collaborative effort: expanding cargo bike infrastructure
The partnership between Parking.brussels and BePark has been a key driver of progress in the cAIRgo Bike project. Combining public sector oversight with private sector innovation, the collaboration has addressed the growing need for secure and accessible cargo bike parking.
BePark is a Brussels-based private company specialising in repurposing underutilised parking spaces. As part of the cAIRgo Bike project, BePark established 35 cargo bike hubs with 130 spots across 13 municipalities by converting car-dedicated spaces into fenced cargo bike zones. The company also introduced intelligent access systems to optimise usability and security. Parking.brussels, the regional public parking agency, develops and manages public parking infrastructure. Between 2020 and 2023, it opened 49 sites with 180 cargo bike parking spots across five municipalities, providing secure and accessible solutions for residents, commuters, and visitors. This synergy between public and private entities has set the groundwork for long-term improvements in cargo bike infrastructure.
The partnership between Parking.brussels and BePark has been a key driver of progress in the cAIRgo Bike project. Combining public sector oversight with private sector innovation, the collaboration has addressed the growing need for secure and accessible cargo bike parking.
BePark is a Brussels-based private company specialising in repurposing underutilised parking spaces. As part of the cAIRgo Bike project, BePark established 35 cargo bike hubs with 130 spots across 13 municipalities by converting car-dedicated spaces into fenced cargo bike zones. The company also introduced intelligent access systems to optimise usability and security. Parking.brussels, the regional public parking agency, develops and manages public parking infrastructure. Between 2020 and 2023, it opened 49 sites with 180 cargo bike parking spots across five municipalities, providing secure and accessible solutions for residents, commuters, and visitors. This synergy between public and private entities has set the groundwork for long-term improvements in cargo bike infrastructure.
Linking modes: cargo bikes in the Brussels metro system
In addition to standalone parking hubs, integrating cargo bikes into public transport has been another significant improvement. For instance, 15 shared cargo bikes operated by Cambio are now available at two newly installed stations in partnership with parking.brussels and STIB, the public transport operator. These stations, strategically located within the Brussels metro system, reflect the potential of multi-modal transport solutions. The technical integration of these stations within the Cambio sharing system, represents an innovative step forward despite the complexities of ensuring safety – particularly with the fire risks associated with e-cargo bike batteries.
In addition to standalone parking hubs, integrating cargo bikes into public transport has been another significant improvement. For instance, 15 shared cargo bikes operated by Cambio are now available at two newly installed stations in partnership with parking.brussels and STIB, the public transport operator. These stations, strategically located within the Brussels metro system, reflect the potential of multi-modal transport solutions. The technical integration of these stations within the Cambio sharing system, represents an innovative step forward despite the complexities of ensuring safety – particularly with the fire risks associated with e-cargo bike batteries.
Lessons learned: flexibility and innovation in parking solutions
Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Parking.brussels faced significant hurdles in finding off-street locations with the space required for manoeuvring and parking large cargo bikes. Similarly, BePark encountered difficulties in ensuring that its network of sites met the immediate proximity needs of users while maintaining affordability. The high subscription costs, initially set at €30 per month, proved a barrier for many potential users compared to the more cost-effective yearly subscription offered by Cycloparking.
However, these challenges have provided valuable lessons. The collaborative efforts between Parking.brussels and BePark have demonstrated the importance of flexibility and adaptability in developing cargo bike infrastructure. The study Parking strategy for cairgo-bikes in Brussels-Capital Region, conducted by BRAT, identified ideal configurations and high-potential areas, and has been instrumental in guiding these initiatives.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Parking.brussels faced significant hurdles in finding off-street locations with the space required for manoeuvring and parking large cargo bikes. Similarly, BePark encountered difficulties in ensuring that its network of sites met the immediate proximity needs of users while maintaining affordability. The high subscription costs, initially set at €30 per month, proved a barrier for many potential users compared to the more cost-effective yearly subscription offered by Cycloparking.
However, these challenges have provided valuable lessons. The collaborative efforts between Parking.brussels and BePark have demonstrated the importance of flexibility and adaptability in developing cargo bike infrastructure. The study Parking strategy for cairgo-bikes in Brussels-Capital Region, conducted by BRAT, identified ideal configurations and high-potential areas, and has been instrumental in guiding these initiatives.
What’s next? Ambitious goals for 2025 and beyond
With over 400,000 off-street car parking spaces scattered across the city, there is significant potential to repurpose some of these for cargo bike parking. Under the cAIRgo Bike project, over 300 dedicated parking spaces for cargo bikes have already been created. Combined, they have opened 84 sites, with BePark’s efforts focused on private parking lots and Parking.brussels targeting public spaces. These initiatives have started to mitigate the problem, but there’s still a long way to go – over 757 residents are on the waiting list for a secure cargo bike parking spot.
The next steps for Brussels are ambitious. A new partnership between Parking.brussels and BePark aims to create 150 additional parking sites by 2026. These locations will offer around 20 spaces each, meaning 300 specifically for cargo bikes. If successful, this would represent a 10% of the total planned bike parking capacity for the city.
The future of cargo bike parking doesn’t just lie in numbers, though. It’s also about changing how space is used. Initiatives like Cycloparking’s Share your garage with your neighbour programme, which converts unused private garages into bike parking, show that creativity and collaboration can unlock previously overlooked resources. Retrofitting existing parking facilities to accommodate cargo bikes is one part of the solution, but new developments present an even greater opportunity. By integrating bike parking into the design of residential and commercial buildings, Brussels can ensure these spaces are available from the outset. Legislation like the Brussels Code on Air, Climate, and Energy Management (CoBrACE) can be a powerful tool in this regard, allowing the city to require bike parking as a condition for building renovations or new permits. Brussels’ efforts align closely with broader European policies aimed at enhancing cycling infrastructure. The revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, for example, mandates that all new and renovated buildings across the EU include secure bicycle parking.
With over 400,000 off-street car parking spaces scattered across the city, there is significant potential to repurpose some of these for cargo bike parking. Under the cAIRgo Bike project, over 300 dedicated parking spaces for cargo bikes have already been created. Combined, they have opened 84 sites, with BePark’s efforts focused on private parking lots and Parking.brussels targeting public spaces. These initiatives have started to mitigate the problem, but there’s still a long way to go – over 757 residents are on the waiting list for a secure cargo bike parking spot.
The next steps for Brussels are ambitious. A new partnership between Parking.brussels and BePark aims to create 150 additional parking sites by 2026. These locations will offer around 20 spaces each, meaning 300 specifically for cargo bikes. If successful, this would represent a 10% of the total planned bike parking capacity for the city.
The future of cargo bike parking doesn’t just lie in numbers, though. It’s also about changing how space is used. Initiatives like Cycloparking’s Share your garage with your neighbour programme, which converts unused private garages into bike parking, show that creativity and collaboration can unlock previously overlooked resources. Retrofitting existing parking facilities to accommodate cargo bikes is one part of the solution, but new developments present an even greater opportunity. By integrating bike parking into the design of residential and commercial buildings, Brussels can ensure these spaces are available from the outset. Legislation like the Brussels Code on Air, Climate, and Energy Management (CoBrACE) can be a powerful tool in this regard, allowing the city to require bike parking as a condition for building renovations or new permits. Brussels’ efforts align closely with broader European policies aimed at enhancing cycling infrastructure. The revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, for example, mandates that all new and renovated buildings across the EU include secure bicycle parking.
Looking ahead: making cargo bikes central to urban life
Looking ahead, Brussels needs to maintain this momentum. Public awareness and buy-in are critical. Property owners and developers need to understand the value of creating cargo bike parking, not just for cyclists but for the broader community. Policymakers must ensure that every opportunity – whether through retrofitting car parks, leveraging legislation, or encouraging private initiatives – is seized to expand the network. Standards for cargo bike parking must also be clear and consistent to ensure that all facilities meet the needs of users.
Addressing theft is equally crucial. With nearly one-third of cyclists having experienced bike theft in the past two years and incidents rising sharply across the region, secure parking solutions, combined with preventative measures, can help alleviate these concerns.
By rethinking space, prioritizing accessibility, and tackling thefts, the city is showing that cargo bikes are an essential part of the future of urban transport. And who knows – if Brussels and its municipalities manage to scale up this approach, Marion might not have to install a cargo bike lift to her balcony. (Seriously, don’t try this at home!)
Looking ahead, Brussels needs to maintain this momentum. Public awareness and buy-in are critical. Property owners and developers need to understand the value of creating cargo bike parking, not just for cyclists but for the broader community. Policymakers must ensure that every opportunity – whether through retrofitting car parks, leveraging legislation, or encouraging private initiatives – is seized to expand the network. Standards for cargo bike parking must also be clear and consistent to ensure that all facilities meet the needs of users.
Addressing theft is equally crucial. With nearly one-third of cyclists having experienced bike theft in the past two years and incidents rising sharply across the region, secure parking solutions, combined with preventative measures, can help alleviate these concerns.
By rethinking space, prioritizing accessibility, and tackling thefts, the city is showing that cargo bikes are an essential part of the future of urban transport. And who knows – if Brussels and its municipalities manage to scale up this approach, Marion might not have to install a cargo bike lift to her balcony. (Seriously, don’t try this at home!)
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#SCEWC24 treasure hunt:
Reach the next level --> explore this page and find the button "Climate Adaptation", hidden in the "Green" part.
Then, you have to find an "Urban practice" located in Paris.
The Urban Innovative Actions (UIA) is a European Union initiative that provided funding to urban areas across Europe to test new and unproven solutions to urban challenges. The initiative had a total ERDF budget of €372 million for 2014-2020.
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