Back to Brussels part 1

Cyclists played a prominent role in my stay in Brussels. The city has just launched a free city bike scheme (see first photo), similar to the one that Copenhagen had when I visited there in 1996. (If you want to see the future some say you should look to what Scandinavia's doing now). The Dutch - never wanting to be bested by the Danes would tell you that the idea originated in Amsterdam in the heady days of the 1960s when the provos painted hundreds of bikes white and put them on the streets to be used by locals and tourists. Unfortunately none stayed in public circulation for very long. But that was in the days before smart cards and GIS chips. London is presently in the throes of running out a similar scheme. Maybe Boris Johnstone is a closet hippy - I laughed when I heard him say on national news that the 2012 Olympics were going have the spirit of Woodstock - (but presumably without the drugs and nudity).



A few minutes after taking the first picture I became aware of several groups of cyclists with loaded bikes heading in the direction of the European Parliament. As it was not far off my route I decided to head over and see what was happening. (In the spirit of Brussels at this point I am going to hang up a sign saying gone to lunch back soon-ish). (Two days later- Wow that was a long lunch break - I must be getting naturalised - see southbound again part two for real reason). This group of cyclists were being refreshed by staff from the EU Directorate of Communications. Apparently every year they do a bike ride across some of Europe to highlight the lack of facilities for cyclists (separate bike lanes, stop lights, secure bike parking etc) in most European cities. Although when they come through Holland they learn about best practice. It seemed like a nice idea - a little bit of awareness raising (the press turn out in every town so they get good coverage) but more a chance to have a cycling holiday, spread the word a bit and make new friends. This year they're riding from Paris to Berlin via Brussels. Belgium has just assumed the European presidency (a six monthly rotating role) and was keen to show that Brussels, at least, is doing its bit. Its funny how many articles and TV shows have been using this strapline about Belgium's European Presidency. It is a good time to be in Brussels right now: as there are lots of free events and exhibitions showing off Belgium's commitment to a United Europe - which appears rather stronger than it's commitment to a United Belgium - but that's another story.


Oh, and a propos of nothing, here are two bits of the Berlin wall that have been relocated to the Place de Luxembourg. Probably in honour of Belgium's European presidency.