Another European country could embrace the cycle hearse

We first noticed a cycle hearse in use in Paris, but the idea is spreading and, if one environmental group as anything to say about it, Belgium might be next.

In a bid to promote eco-friendly practices and reduce carbon footprints, the concept of bicycle hearses is gaining traction across European countries. Coupled with the use of biodegradable coffins, this trend allows individuals to bid farewell to their loved ones while contributing to a greener future.

Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, and the United Kingdom are among the larger populations that have embraced this form of funeral transportation. However, Belgium, despite being part of Europe, has yet to adopt this practice. Nevertheless, this may change soon.

The inspiration for implementing bicycle hearses in Belgium came after the untimely death of someone who went by the name Fanny, a cyclist who was tragically struck and killed by a tram near Brussels. As a mark of respect for her dedication to cycling, the local council of Watermael-Boitsfort made an exception for her funeral, allowing her coffin to be transported by cargo bike.

To explore the possibility of using cargo bikes as hearses in funeral processions, a working group called ‘Funeral and Cemeteries’ has been established among the 19 municipalities in the Brussels region. While currently, no Brussels municipality permits the transportation of the deceased by bicycle, the creation of this group may pave the way for changes to legislation to allow it in the future.

Cycle Hearse UK

In France, the funeral home Le Ciel & la Terre has been using a modified electric cargo bike to transport the deceased since last year. These bikes, which are approximately two meters long, have a load capacity of up to 200kg and can reach speeds of up to 25 km/h. In the United Kingdom, those participating in the funeral procession with a cargo bike don yellow high-visibility jackets instead of the traditional somber black attire.

Ahmed Mouhssin, a representative of the Belgian ecologist group Ecolo, expressed support for bicycle hearses and emphasized the benefits they bring to funeral processions.

“The cargo bike is a good alternative that allows a slow, quiet, and peaceful funeral procession to the rhythm of the steps of those present. It further emphasizes the importance of accompanying families by giving meaning to the funeral ceremony and adding a certain beauty that can offer comfort at the same time,’ he said, in an interview with The Bulletin.

By making simple amendments to existing regulations, such as removing the requirement for motorization, Belgium could embrace this eco-friendly funeral practice, and why not? Nothing seems more fitting than a quiet funeral procession led by a bicycle.