Skip to content

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.

Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.

More from Streetsblog USA

In New Jersey, Mayors Show How Quickly We Can Slow Down Drivers

June 12, 2026

Friday Video: What Happens When World Cup Fans Come to America

June 12, 2026

Friday’s Headlines Are Still Dangerous

June 12, 2026

Talking Headways Podcast: Are Arterials Unsafe? Or Are We Making Them Unsafe?

June 11, 2026

Latest Report Shows That Sprawl Continues To Hamstring Youth, Limit Opportunities

June 11, 2026
See all posts