Cycling associations
Cycling associations
The world of cycling associations is very varied in the Brussels-Capital Region.
These associations have played and continue to play a major role in developing cycling as a means of transport in Brussels.
They can be divided into two main categories:
- associations which protect the interests of cyclists which have paying members
- associations which provide services.
Both types of association are partly subsidised by the Brussels-Capital Region.
There are four associations which protect the interests of cyclists and they are as follows:
-
The “Groupe d’action des cyclistes quotidiens” (“GRACQ”)
- Action Group for Daily Cyclists) was the first association on the
scene, founded in 1975. GRACQ also instigated the appointment of the
first government representative for developing cycling policy. The
association is present on the ground in Wallonia and Brussels.
“Fietsersbond”
had several different names prior to opting for “Fietsersbond
Vlaanderen”. The association is the main body for protecting the
interests of cyclists in Flanders.
-
“European Union Cyclists’ Group” (EUCG) is an association of cyclists made up of civil servants working for the EU institutions in Brussels.
There are also 4 associations which provide services and these are as follows:
-
“Pro Velo”
is a non-profit making association which was founded by Gracq and
Fietsersbond in order to carry out a series of projects, including
studies, for the public authorities (the network of cycle routes –
bicycle parking areas and public transport, promotional events such as
Dring Dring and training such as the cycling proficiency course in
schools, adult training events and support actions as part of the plans
for school and business-related journeys).
-
“Cyclo asbl”,
a Dutch non-profit making association, organises cycling workshops
within the framework of social economy projects and also operates cycle
shops in train stations which provide parking facilities, bikes for
hire and repair services.
-
The “ateliers vélo de la rue Voot”
organises training courses for bicycle maintenance and repairs. The
organisation exploits a “Fietspunt” (Cycle centre) at Triomflaan 40 in
Oudergem and manages, in co-operation with the ULB and the VUB, an
educational workshop for cycle repairs and cycle rentals. “Ateliers de
la rue Voot” also includes an educational workshop.
There is also a cycling centre in Brussels
at 15 rue de Londres/Londenstraat, Ixelles/Elsene where Pro Velo, Gracq
and Fietsersbond are based. The centre belongs to these associations.
Three associations (Gracq, Fietsersbond, and Pro Velo) meet monthly to discuss cycling policy: strategic development decisions and assessments (Bypad - Bicycle Policy Audit).
Refer to the background information for further details.