In Ghent, the popularity of bicycle taxis has surged dramatically over the past four years. The number of rides with bicycle taxis has more than quadrupled, indicating a growing demand for this environmentally friendly and accessible mode of transport within the city. This development underscores the success of initiatives promoting sustainable mobility while catering to the needs of diverse population groups, including less mobile residents who can now move around more easily within Ghent's city ring.
What's Happening
The use of bicycle taxis in Ghent has increased from 2,000 rides in 2022 to 8,702 rides last year. This remarkable growth demonstrates that bicycle taxis play a significant role in the urban mobility landscape. The demand for sustainable urban transportation continues to rise, and bicycle taxis offer a fitting solution by providing an affordable (€3 per ride) and efficient option. The city of Ghent is now allocating additional resources to further increase the number of rides to 12,000 per year, emphasizing the city's ambition to continue and expand this success.
Accessibility for less mobile individuals
A crucial aspect of bicycle taxis is the role they play for less mobile individuals. This service enables them to move independently and comfortably through Ghent, contributing to their autonomy and integration into city life. This aspect of social inclusion is a significant driver behind the support for bicycle taxi projects in the Flemish city.
Background
Bicycle taxis fit into a broader policy by the city of Ghent to create low-car zones and promote alternative means of transport. For years, the Flemish government and local authorities, such as Ghent, have invested in projects that encourage cycling as a primary mode of transport. This includes not only the construction of cycle paths but also the support for innovative services like bicycle taxis. This policy contributes to better air quality and less traffic congestion in the city, which improves liveability.
What This Means for Belgium
The increasing popularity of bicycle taxis in Ghent can serve as an inspiration for other Belgian cities. The success in Ghent shows that there is a market for sustainable, accessible, and affordable transport solutions, especially in urban centers. If other cities, such as Antwerp, Leuven, or Bruges, embrace similar initiatives, it could lead to a broader shift towards greener and more inclusive mobility in Belgium. It proves that alternative transport concepts can make a concrete contribution to the mobility challenges facing Belgian cities.
VRT NWS reported on the quadrupling of bicycle taxi usage in Ghent, from 2,000 rides in 2022 to 8,702 last year.