28,000 bicycle commuters in Brussels, says Pro Velo

Brussels has more than 28,000 bicycle commuters - an increase of about 12% in a year - according to new stats from non-profit association Pro Velo.

Rush-hour bike use in the city has risen by 30% since 2015, an increase that some attribute to the Brussels lockdown and the March 2016 terror attacks, which prompted some public transport users to take to their bikes to get around.

The Pro Velo estimates are based on a quarterly cyclist count at 26 locations around the city during the morning rush hour.

"The figures are good news," said Brussels mobility minister Pascal Smet. "They show that the bike remains a credible option and is attracting new users."

He added: "With the opening in the coming months of new, separated and secure cycle lanes on Boulevard Général Jacques, Boulevard de la Woluwe, Avenue de l'Exposition and Avenue Franklin Roosevelt, we are offering new cycling opportunities to Brussels residents."

This spring, 10 bike-counting stations should be operational on some of the region's busiest cycle paths to build a better picture of cyclist numbers.

The first automatic terminal, on the city-bound bike path of the Rue de la Loi near Maelbeek, was put to the test in September and counts an average of 1,500 cyclists per day.