Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Antwerp launches its 1st pedestrian program, improving 780 km of slow streets with benches, shaded areas, and “silver ribbons.” Alderman Koen Kennis leads campaigns promoting safety and walking citywide.
As VRT News reported, Antwerp has launched its 1st pedestrian program. The city wants more people to walk in the coming years. Officials say walking helps public health, strengthens communities, and supports the local economy.
Antwerp points out that everyone walks at some point. Even people who use cars, bikes, or public transport walk at the start and end of their trips. The program is open to everyone. It does not focus on one age group or neighbourhood.
What is Antwerp doing to improve walking with 780 km of streets?
According to officials, the city has 780 kilometres of slow streets and is expanding residential areas. The program focuses on 3 main areas. 1st, it wants to create more space for pedestrians. 2nd, the city will work with local partners, such as businesses and community groups, to make walking part of city projects. 3rd, authorities will use data on how people travel.
Officials say the plan will fix missing links in the pedestrian network so people can walk without interruptions. The city will also test diagonal crossings, called “square green,” to allow pedestrians to cross streets more directly and safely. The program includes adding benches, shaded areas, and drinking fountains.
The city is also introducing “silver ribbons,” short and safe routes designed for senior citizens. Awareness campaigns will focus on road courtesy and enforcing rules against bicycles and scooters on sidewalks.
“With this pedestrian programme we are taking an important step towards making Antwerp even more comfortable and safer for everyone who travels on foot,”
says Alderman for Mobility Koen Kennis (N-VA).
Officials emphasise that walking is healthy and allows people to experience the city differently. By improving infrastructure, running public campaigns, and collaborating with local partners, Antwerp aims to become a more pedestrian-friendly city.
Since 2020, the city has introduced “living streets” where walking and public spaces are given priority over cars. By 2024, pedestrian zones had grown to 33.5 kilometres, up from 27 kilometres in 2020. In October 2024, authorities approved a new pedestrian and cyclist bridge over the River Scheldt. Bids for the construction were set to open by September 2025.
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