A year ago, I read a post on this subreddit about how more and more Belgians are choosing a cargo bike instead of a second car. At the time, my wife and I were considering a move to Belgium within a year with our two kids and being from California, I found it hard to believe. Moving preparations kept me busy and I didn’t think much about it. Not until we arrived in Antwerpen. Just three days after we got here, we started noticing these cargo bikes everywhere often carrying children and we were immediately intrigued. Coming from a car-centric lifestyle, it was such a refreshing change.

We were in the middle of planning a second car for my wife but soon found that instead of talking about car models, our conversations focused on questions like, are people not afraid riding these bikes on busy streets or when turning corners? Where do most people store them? Which brands are good? Will they get stolen if left outside stores or at home? That curiosity finally led us to give this lifestyle a chance but as it was our first time, we rented a Cargoroo cargo bike for a month to see if it could actually work for us.

That one month turned out to be the best decision ever. With car free zones and dedicated bike lanes, commuting around the city became so easy and quick. My wife would take the kids to school and I’d ride the bike on weekends to explore the city with them. The part we liked the most was that it turned out to be a great way to meet more people here. It wasn’t just practical, it was fun, adventure and connection all packed into one. So when our rental period ended, we knew there was no going back from this.

We spent the next few weeks testing different bikes to find one that was more durable for us with a 3 and 4 year-old, had good anti-theft and safety features, was easy to maneuver for my wife and finally bought home our tarran t1 pro (now proudly called big paw in our home).

It has been four months now and we are still fully committed to this lifestyle. Switching to an e-cargo bike has completely changed how we experience the city: fresh air, exercise, quality time with the kids all while saving money and avoiding the stress of driving. My kids think we are so cool and brag about it to our family in US. All this makes us so glad that we made this choice.

Has Belgium made anyone else here make the switch too? How has it changed your life? Would love to hear some fun stories.

by Quick_Contribution77

17 comments

  2. I was very surprised with the title, then I read

    >until we arrived in Antwerpen

    *cries in Wallonia*

    Well, maybe in the next few decades.

  3. My best friend just bought one. You do see them everywhere.

  4. That thing looks awesome, but damn.. the price :0 

    Also, maintenance on these things is going to be a hastle in think. 

    Still, jealous at your purchase OP looks awesome 

  5. Those cargo bikes always act like they’re regular bikes though. The number of times they almost hit my car is insane, especially when they drive down one way car streets where bikes can go both ways.

    I feel safer for both my car & the cyclist if the cyclist is just on a regular bike.

  6. Yeh, we traded in our car for a Cargo Bike.

    Takes a while to get to the Alps for skivakanitie but well worth it.

  7. I was born and raised in Antwerp and lived in California for a year. Being able to bike everywhere was definitely the part I missed most about home. Aside from that year in the US, I have never owned a car. Don’t want it, don’t need it!

  8. Same here. We got a cargo bike when our now-5-year-old was born. Replaces having a second car. I have no regrets at all.

  9. I’ve had one for 3 years now, it is one of the best things you can own in a city. 2 kids, no car.

  10. I don’t own one since I don’t really need one, but I’m a mechanic who works on cargo bikes every day. Fucking love them to bits, they’re such a good alternative to cars for city transport.

  11. Born and raised in Brussels, never really set foot in Antwerp for leisure till last week. I will say that I’m very impressed by the city center. Thought to myself that this actually a lot better than Brussels and that I would probably have cargo bike too if I would live there.
    Enjoy your new life!

  12. Looking into gettin one myself, NOT living in a major city, just close to one, and it’s often just faster bikin than taking the car as you are almost always stuck in traffic or waiting at lights. More and more lights are becoming smart prioritizing bikers and pedestrians.

  14. Sincerely and with all due respect: I hate you. Death machines on wheels, blasting out of 90 degree turns without looking and not realizing half your bike is already in opposing traffic. 

    These things are the badge of the “weer een auto minder” crowd. 

  15. Personally I hate bikes

    (and sometimes cyclist cus some of you should learn the law and othe stuff cus the next one that goes true a red light while its green for me and i have to do a emergency break just to not hit you i will follow you and break youre bike)

    not as mutch the exercise I don’t mind that
    I hate how boring it is as someone with autism and adhd I can’t do anything with it and feels like a k8nd of torture

    It’s the same with a car

    That’s my main reason for not having a car but multiple motorcycles it also makes me a better driver cus I pay more attention

  16. We traded in our second car for a long-tail bike about a year ago. I don’t regret it at all.

  17. Bought one a couple of months ago. With baby number two it was either a second car or a cargobike. I love it! We live very close to Ghent (where i also work) and you see them everywhere here.
    I am looking forward to when my baby can sit next to his sister in the bike. The hassle with the maxi cosy is a bit annoying.

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