Since 2012, municipalities have legally been able to designate cycle streets known as “cycling zones” in Belgium. However, a survey found that six out of ten drivers in Wallonia had never even heard of these zones. Within these designated areas, cyclists have priority and may use the entire road width for one-way streets or traffic lane width for two-way streets, with motorized vehicles having to drive behind the cyclists at a maximum speed of 30 km/h. Shockingly, over half of the Walloons surveyed did not know that cars have the right to use these roads, nearly 60% were unaware of the speed limit, and almost half had no idea that overtaking cyclists was prohibited.
Since 2012, the Highway Code has authorized municipalities to develop cycle streets, called “cycling zones” since April 1st. Six out of ten Walloon drivers say they have never heard of these zones. In these areas, however, the cyclist is king. It can use the entire width of the road (if one-way street) or the entire width of the traffic lane (for two-way streets);
Motorized vehicles can travel on these sections but cannot overtake cyclists. And the top speed is limited to 30 km/h.
As the AWSR recalls:More than one out of two Walloons (54%) does not know that cars have the right to use this type of road. Nearly 3 out of 5 Walloons (59%) do not know that the speed is limited to 30 km/h and finally, 1 in 2 drivers (47%) do not know that they cannot pass a cyclist there.”
In conclusion, the concept of cycling zones is still a relatively unknown concept for many drivers in Wallonia, despite being authorized by the Highway Code since 2012. These zones provide a safer and more cyclist-friendly environment, with the cyclist having priority over motorized vehicles. However, the lack of awareness among drivers of the rules that apply in these zones is concerning. It is crucial that both cyclists and drivers are educated on the proper use of cycling zones to ensure the safety and well-being of all road users.
