Brussels innovates to tackle bike thefts

Bike safety in Brussels has been going downhill with a sharp spike in thefts recorded over the past few years.

‌According to the security agency Safe.Brussels, reported bike thefts in the Belgian capital rose more than 70 percent between 2015 and 2022. While cycling has grown in popularity, there are fears that the high volume of thefts could put the brakes on the city's mobility targets. In 2022 analysts estimate that between 8,335 and 13,500 bicycles were stolen.

‌To address the issue, major initiatives from both the private and public sector are in the works to improve bike security as the city aims to increase the number of cyclists on the roads threefold by 2030 compared to 2018.

‌"Bicycles are getting more successful in Brussels which is very positive for the city, for the region," said Charlotte Raymond, Business Developer of Cycloparking at Parking.Brussels – but "there are also more bike thefts than before so we have to prevent bike theft."

Belgian-based bike safety company Locky says it isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. But through its patented technology it seeks to give bike owners a true sense of security.

‌Users unlock a docking station via an app on a smartphone, then secure their bike to a metal arm that's bolted to the ground.‌

Using a Locky station at one of its nine locations in Brussels costs around $1 per hour or about $16 for a monthly subscription. Insurance for your bike is included for extra peace of mind.‌

"You have full protection," said the company's CEO, Shady Cantarella. "We have developed a material that's almost impossible to cut through. If you try to cut through it's actually the disc of the angle grinder itself that will get destroyed.‌"

Impressive infrastructure

The city is also making strides to increase the amount of safe and secure parking spots – ‌currently more than 13,000 residents are on the waiting list. Bike sheds and underground parking garages are among the ways officials are trying to increase bike security.

‌"Once we started creating this infrastructure people came with their bikes and so now we really see the increase is quite impressive," said Bart Dhondt, Vice Mayor of Mobility for the City of Brussels.

Brussels Mobility spokesperson ‌Steven Fierens says reduced speed limits for motorists and more extensive bike lanes are also encouraging people to start cycling.

‌"A lot of people want to bike and safety is one of the main concerns of why people won't bike," said Fierens. "And if safety is improved, then you have more cyclists on the road."

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