Pro Velo

Pro Velo is a Brussels cycling association that has been promoting the bicycle in the city for decades and has been part of the Explore Brussels network of tour organisers since 1994. Alongside its work encouraging everyday cycling, it runs guided bike tours that show visitors how much of Brussels can be covered comfortably on two wheels, from the historic centre to districts that walking tours rarely reach.

Its scheduled tours run from March to December and last about three hours. Each one follows a theme: Brussels, the essentials, for first-time visitors; Brussels, city of architecture; Brussels, the green city, which links parks and green spaces; Brussels, city of art; Brussels, the modern city; and Brussels, an unusual city, which looks for lesser-known corners. Pro Velo has also run a guided ride along the city's Comic Book Route, covering the famous murals in around two hours, and special one-off rides appear in its events calendar.

You can bring your own bike or rent a classic or electric bike on site, which makes the tours accessible to visitors who arrive without one. Electric bikes are a good choice if you are worried about the hills between the lower and upper town. Tours can be booked until the evening before, which gives some flexibility to fit around the weather.

The tours suit active travellers, couples, families with confident teenage cyclists and anyone who wants to cover more ground than a walking tour allows. Some experience of riding in city traffic helps. Groups can also arrange private tours.

Pro Velo's head office is at Rue de Londres 15 in Ixelles; check the booking details for each tour's meeting point and the language of the guide. Wear comfortable clothes, bring a waterproof layer, as Brussels weather changes quickly, and allow a little time before the start if you are renting a bike.

Combining a morning bike tour with an afternoon in one of the museums is a good way to balance a day. Contact Pro Velo by phone or email for group bookings and private tours. If you are new to cycling in Brussels, a guided tour is also a useful introduction to the city's bike lanes and traffic, which makes it easier to explore on your own later in your stay.