A bicycle zone, as officially called, is an area where cyclists have priority. Cars, mopeds and speedpedelecs are allowed to drive there, but the speed cannot exceed 30 km/h, and overtaking cyclists is prohibited for cars. Recently, many bicycle zones have been set up in various cities, but compliance with the speed limits often proves challenging in practice.

Therefore, the Flemish government has now decided to allow unmanned speed cameras and section controls in cycling zones. Minister of Mobility Lydia Peeters stresses that these measures will give municipalities and police zones more and better possibilities to efficiently enforce speed limits in cycling zones.

These new rules apply not only to cars, but also to speedpedelecs. Speedpedelecs, which can reach speeds of up to 45 km/h, must also abide by the 30 km/h speed limit in bicycle streets. It is important to stress that speedpedelecs, despite their higher speed, make a valuable contribution to mobility solutions.

Wies Callens, spokesperson for the Cyclists’ Union, supports the introduction of unmanned speed cameras and route controls. However, he stresses that speedpedelecs should not be seen as a problem. “A speedpedelec replaces a car in traffic, which is a solution to the mobility problem.”

At Cyclis, we believe in a safe cycling environment for all. These new measures are a step in the right direction to ensure that cycling zones are truly safe zones for all road users. Let’s strive together for a future where mobility goes hand in hand with safety.

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