Evolution of urban mobility behaviour in Brussels as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The goal of this research is to understand the impact of COVID-19 restriction measures on the change in urban mobility in Brussels, Belgium. With daily data over the past 2 years depicting both the affluence to different places and the level and type of restrictions, we investigate through regression analysis their impacts on the changes in driving, public transport and cycling use. We find that cycling increased significantly (+63%), and that driving levels have returned to pre-COVID levels after a significant reduction in spring 2020, while the return to public transport has been slower. We also find that the change in cycling use was not influenced by COVID-19 restrictions, although telework and closing of retail establishments strongly affected the other modes.