On September 22, 2025, a tragedy occurred in Brussels during the annual “Car-Free Sunday” event. A child died in a bicycle accident in Bois de la Cambre, a popular family park. This was the first fatal incident in the history of the event, held every third Sunday of September. “Car-Free Sunday” closes central Brussels to cars, opening streets to pedestrians, cyclists, and skaters. In 2025, the event attracted about 120,000 participants, making it one of Belgium’s largest environmental events. The tragedy shocked the city and sparked debates about child safety on roads, even in conditions considered safe. This incident forced authorities and society to rethink how to protect vulnerable road users.
Key Facts:
- Date: September 22, 2025, around noon.
- Location: Bicycle path in Bois de la Cambre.
- Event: Child died in a bicycle collision.
Details of the Incident
The accident happened on a busy path in Bois de la Cambre, where thousands were cycling and enjoying the car-free day. The child, accompanied by adults, crashed into a group of other cyclists. The collision caused severe injuries. Medics arrived quickly but could not save the child, who died in hospital a few hours later.
Other participants in the accident, including two adults and a teenager, received minor injuries: bruises and scratches, but their lives were not at risk. Brussels police started an investigation, examining the bicycle’s condition, road surface, and crowd density. The incident is currently classified as an accident caused by high speed and overcrowding. The child’s parents, residents of Ixelles, expressed their grief: “We just wanted to spend a day with family. This was our favorite holiday.” Brussels Mayor Elie Rupp stated: “We mourn and will do everything to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
Incident Details:
- Time: Around 12:00, peak event activity.
- Cause: Collision due to loss of control in a crowd.
- Measures: Authorities temporarily banned group bike rides in parks.
Bicycle Accident Statistics in Belgium
Bicycle accidents are a serious problem in Belgium, especially in cities. According to the Federal Statistics Institute (Statbel), in 2024, Belgium recorded 35,916 road incidents, with about 14,000 involving cyclists. Total road deaths reached 470, including 95 cyclists. Children are especially vulnerable: 14 children (ages 3–18) are injured daily on their way to or from school, totaling about 5,100 cases yearly.
While overall road deaths dropped 7% from 2023 and 31% over a decade, cyclist accidents remain high. In 2022, 102 cyclists died, up 7.4% from 2019. Among children under 14, deaths fell 65% since 2019 due to helmets and improved paths, but risks remain high. In Brussels, 500 monthly bike thefts and poor road conditions increase chaos.
| Year | Bicycle Accidents | Cyclist Deaths | Child Injuries (3–18 years) |
| 2022 | 15,000 | 102 | 5,100 |
| 2023 | 14,500 | 98 | 4,800 |
| 2024 | 14,000 | 95 | 4,600 |
Key Trends:
- Cyclists make up 48% of deaths among vulnerable road users (pedestrians, motorcyclists).
- Antwerp saw 800 bike thefts in six months of 2022.
- 82% of cyclist deaths are male, but children remain at high risk.
Authorities’ Safety Measures
Belgium is actively working to reduce accidents through national and regional programs. The “Vision Zero” plan aims for zero road deaths by 2050. In 2021, the “BE CYCLIST” initiative launched 52 measures, including building 2,000 km of bike paths and subsidies for e-bikes. Brussels plans 100 km of “bicycle superhighways” by 2025 with a €50 million budget.
Since 2024, new cars must have Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), limiting speed in cyclist zones. The Vias Institute proposed 12 urgent measures: fines up to €1,000 for speeding, mandatory helmets for children under 12, and anti-drunk-driving campaigns. In Ghent, special tram track coatings prevent cyclist falls. These steps cut serious cyclist injuries in the EU by 10% in 2023, but Belgium’s progress is slower due to urbanization and thefts.
- Main Initiatives:
- Smart traffic lights with cyclist sensors.
- Dividing lanes at intersections to protect cyclists.
- School programs teaching kids safe cycling rules.
Public Reaction and Outlook
The Bois de la Cambre tragedy caused an outcry. The hashtag #SafeStreetsForKids gained thousands of posts in a day, demanding better safety. Groups like Parents for Safe Cycling held a flashmob at city hall, with hundreds in helmets calling for 20 km/h zones in parks. Activists note that 70% of child accidents are due to poor paths and lack of oversight.
Authorities responded with a hotline for infrastructure complaints and a temporary ban on group bike rides in parks. Public campaigns urge parents to teach kids crowd cycling and helmet use. A new Brussels bike path will be named after the child, symbolizing hope for change. Society and authorities must unite to make streets safe, especially for kids.
- Public Actions:
- Petition for better park paths (7,000 signatures in a week).
- Flashmob at city hall demanding more patrols.
- Campaign for safe cycling lessons in schools.
Conclusion
The 2025 “Car-Free Sunday” tragedy showed that even “safe” zones can be dangerous. The child’s death in Bois de la Cambre is a call for Belgium to speed up safety efforts. “Vision Zero” and new bike paths are steps forward, but more is needed: better surfaces, more patrols, and child education. The public’s demand for change is strong, and authorities must respond. Naming a bike path after the child reminds us every life matters. Brussels, a city of cyclists, must become a city of safety.
