Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
kids

Friday Video: How Ghent Gets Kids To School Without Cars

This Belgian city has found a better way to get students to class — and they have some lessons to share with America.

In America, getting the kids to school too often means a grueling wait in an SUV-stuffed drop-off line.

In the Belgian city of Ghent, though, students of all ages can walk or cycle to class on a network of ultra-safe "school streets" — and some advocates argue there's no reason U.S.children shouldn't have the same privilege.

In his latest Streetfilms video, our own Clarence Eckerson gets to know how the folks of Flanders use bicycle advisory lanes, mobile traffic control devices, and "red carpet"-worthy asphalt treatments to make the school run fun.

And along the way, you might see a few cameos from friends of the site Coach Balto, Cathy Tuttle, and more.

Check out Clarence's extensive collection of videos from around the world here.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Talking Headways Podcast: Getting California High Speed Rail Done

It took a while, but California is figuring out the best, most-cost-effective way to do fast trains.

October 30, 2025

Spooky Stuff: On Halloween, Some States Will Have Deadlier Roads Than Others

Find out how yours ranks — and what policymakers can do to make streets less scary.

October 30, 2025

Who Are Thursday’s Headlines For?

Non-drivers still perceive streets as being for cars even when they have bike lanes. And that's because, in many cases, they are.

October 30, 2025

An Olympian Task: Replicating Paris’s Bike Boom in Los Angeles

The Olympics can help transform the streets of Los Angeles  — if they look to the example of Paris.

October 29, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines Are a Clear and Present Danger

Rescinding the "endangerment finding" could not only exacerbate climate change, it could also throw entire industries into chaos.

October 29, 2025

What’s More Regressive: Modest Driving Surcharges to Help Fund Transit, or Forced Car Ownership?

Do Illinois state senators and reps really want to make the financial burden on their constituents less "regressive"? If so they can start by ensuring that as many people as possible can live their lives without spending $12,000 annually just to leave their homes.

October 28, 2025
See all posts