Urban Arrow Tales: Family Bourgeois on the move
In the Urban Arrow Tales series, we portray families going through their daily adventures with the Family cargo bike. These real Urban Arrow families discover every day how their cargo bike makes family life not only more practical, but also much more fun. For this third edition we travelled to Brussels to introduce to you: Sophie Bourgeois and her lovely family.
Who are you?
We’re Sophie and Joos, and we’ve been living in Brussels for about six years now. Sophie works as a Nuclear Medicine physician at UZ Brussels, and Joos is a freelance web developer. We have three kids: Marta, Emile and Oscar and we have a small zoo at home with our dog Trix, our cat Frieda, and four chickens.
When we were expecting our first daughter Marta in 2020, we immediately decided: if we want to do this right in the city, a cargo bike is a must. And that’s how our Urban Arrow adventure began!
What was the main reason you decided to buy an Urban Arrow cargo bike?
We’d already been cycling around Brussels for years, so when the kids came along, a cargo bike was the obvious next step. We tested several models, but the Urban Arrow clearly stood out.
What convinced us? The spacious, comfortable box, room for three kids with a car seat adapter, a rain cover, and a motor strong enough for the hills of Brussels.
You now even have two Urban Arrow cargo bikes! Why did you decide to get a second one?
That’s a simple one! Pure logistics. With two cargo bikes, we both have the freedom to safely transport the kids. No more planning around who has the bike each of us has our own, which gives us so much more flexibility.
How has the cargo bike changed your daily routine?
We never get stuck in traffic and always park right at the front door, what a luxury! But the biggest difference is the sense of freedom. Sophie can drop the kids off in the morning, and Joos can pick them up in the evening, no hassle, no schedule juggling. Two bikes give us flexibility and peace of mind.
What are the biggest benefits you’ve experienced since using the Urban Arrow?
No need for a car for commuting, no stress, and always knowing how long the journey will take. But maybe even more important: being outside, getting exercise, and mentally switching off after a hectic day at work.
The kids love riding in the cargo bike too. Last summer, we even went on a bike holiday with both cargo bikes: one for the kids, and one for all the camping gear. Two hours in a car can be tough, but four hours in a cargo bike? Totally doable! For them, it’s a moving playground, a nap spot, and a lookout post all in one.
“What convinced us?
The spacious, comfortable box, room for three kids with a car seat adapter,
a rain cover, and a motor strong enough for the hills of Brussels.”
What’s essential when going on an adventure with the cargo bike?
Good rain gear! In Belgium, the saying goes: there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. With a proper poncho, you can take on any adventure.
Which cargo bike accessory or accessories are a must-have for your family?
We often use the extra bench for our third child. The rain cover plus is a must in our climate. It protects not only against rain, but also wind and sun. Sometimes we even hang a cloth over it for extra shade during long rides.
Do you have any tips for families considering getting a cargo bike?
Definitely invest in the car seat adapter. Babies love the gentle rocking and looking up at the sky, and it gives young parents a real sense of freedom. For longer rides, we sometimes create a cargo bike bingo for the kids with pictures of things they can spot along the way, like a dog, a tram, or a traffic light. It’s always a hit!
Which places in and around Brussels would you recommend for a fun family (cargo) bike trip?
Park of Laeken or the Gardens of the Florist: perfect for a picnic.
Tour & Taxis: a top destination with a food market, playgrounds, and often fun weekend events.
Ferme Nos Pilifs: a cozy petting farm with a small organic shop always a treat.
Fleurakker Pick-Your-Own Flower Field: for a beautiful bouquet from the field.
