Leuven (The Brussels morning Newspaper): Leuven’s Car Free Sunday will feature a citywide picnic at Martelarenplein promoting community use of public spaces. Alderman David Dessers encourages residents to enjoy activities without traffic fostering social connections and sustainable mobility.
On 19th August the program for Car Free Sunday in Leuven was announced at Martelarenplein. To celebrate the occasion the organizers did something special by laying out a picnic blanket creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. They also joined in the fun by enjoying snacks and drinks right there in the square. This act showed the idea of taking back urban spaces for the community to use away from the usual busy traffic. Choosing Martelarenplein as the location was a great decision because it will likely be a central spot for activities during Car Free Sunday. This will give people a chance to experience the city in a different more relaxed way. The presentation highlighted the community-focused nature of the event encouraging both residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities social interactions and the overall atmosphere that Car Free Sunday aims to create.
What initiatives is Alderman David Dessers promoting for Car-Free Sunday in Leuven to enhance community engagement and urban livabilitv?
On Car-Free Sunday in Leuven Alderman for Mobility David Dessers (Groen) is encouraging residents to rethink how they use the streets and open spaces in their city. The goal of this initiative is to make the urban environment more community-friendly and lively without the usual traffic and congestion. Dessers believes that one of the best ways to experience this change is through a communal activity like organizing a large picnic.
The concept of a citywide picnic is about more than just enjoying a meal outdoors it’s part of a movement to reclaim public spaces for people instead of cars. On this day streets usually filled with vehicles will be open for pedestrians, cyclists, and families to come together, relax and experience the environment in a new way. This initiative supports goals of promoting sustainable mobility and building community spirit encouraging citizens to imagine a city that prioritizes people. By inviting everyone to join the picnic Dessers and the city administration aim to create a festive atmosphere that fosters social connections and inspires residents to rethink how these spaces can be used in the future for a healthier, more sustainable urban life.
Car-Free Sunday is the last event of the summer program in the city. Dessers says it shows how we can use public spaces better and promotes sustainable ways to move around. It’s a fun day with many activities that people in Leuven enjoy. There are 50 activities planned like a second-hand bike market, a sports park, stands about sustainable transport and neighborhood parties.It has been said that One exciting event is called ‘King of the Ring,’ where people on bikes, scooters, and skates can ride around the Leuven ring road with police help using the lanes usually for cars. This starts at 4 pm at Justus Lipsiusstraat. During Car-Free Sunday the city center is closed to cars from 10 am to 6 pm but buses will take different routes. The inner ring road is also closed but the outer ring is still open for cars.
