Source: Fietsberaad

A survey by the government of the Flanders region of Belgium shows that overall journeys made by electric bike, speed pedelec or traditional bike have risen to 18.5% – the highest recorded share.

The Travel Behaviour Survey 7 (Onderzoek Verplaatsingsgedrag 7) saw participation by almost 24,000 Flanders residents in 2023-2024, and provides an important source of information for the government’s policy decisions on traffic safety, public transport and traffic jams.

When it comes to commuting journeys specifically, the cycling share is in fact higher, with 10.4% made by electric bike, 1.8% by speed pedelec, and 9.9% on traditional bike. School traffic is the highest reported reason for travelling at 36.2%.

Ownership of electric bikes by Flemish people is now at 44%, with an average age of 48. Traditional bike owners are on average 33 years old.

The share of all sustainable transport modes in Flanders has risen to 46.9% on an average weekday, compared to the pre-pandemic level in the 2018-2019 survey of 44%. Sustainable modes include cycling, walking, electric scooter, and public transport. Antwerp is the region showing the larges share of sustainable transport journeys at 58%, while Bruges, Ghent and Kempen see the most people cycling on average, at 24%. It is also notable that car use across Flanders is still lower than before the pandemic.