Additional cycle paths thanks to the European Commission's recovery plan
Thanks to the National Plan for Recovery and Resilience following the health crisis, Brussels Mobility has received €20 million to build new cycle paths. This budget was allocated as part of the European Commission's recovery plan. Now completed, these cycle paths are proving a great success with cyclists.
Quai de Veeweyde
A soil survey was carried out before work began. The soil was heavily polluted and had sunk. It was therefore necessary to clean it up and install more solid foundations. The cycle path runs alongside a strip of open ground, allowing rainwater to infiltrate into the ground.
Petite Ceinture
On the Petite Ceinture, the parking areas have been designed to allow rainwater to infiltrate into the ground and no longer flow directly into the sewers. The trees have been given larger planting holes, which also facilitate the infiltration of rainwater into the ground. It was important to preserve the existing trees: it's only after 30 years that their carbon absorption starts to pay off, they cool the air when it's hot, they absorb rainwater and they promote biodiversity.
Masui Square
Until recently, this square, dedicated entirely to car traffic, didn't look like much. Brussels Mobility has had permeable cycle paths built there. This has made it possible to plant more trees, which have plenty of room to develop their roots underground. Following the works, there are fewer parking spaces and more room to enjoy the public space: the Parc de la Senne has been enlarged by encroaching on the former car park of Bruxelles Propreté.
All these sites have made circular use of materials. Bluestone kerbs were reused wherever possible. Asphalt was recycled by scraping off the top layer, melting it and reusing it. The stone rubble was crushed and reused for the foundations. This recycling takes place in Belgian factories (sometimes even in Brussels). This often reduces the cost of the project.
