[BaudouinVH]

I live in Brussels. I can only agree about the trash pick-up. The biking situation has vastly improved in the last years but is still far from perfect. You can reach FOSDEM using a tram or - not mentioned in the article - by bus 71 (busiest public transport line in Brussels, expect some company).

[pantalaimon]

I found the trick was to take the metro line 5 to Delta and then take Bus 71 from there, much less crowded - I could get a seat every day.