BicycleBrussels
94. Bicycle
A bicycle is a vehicle with two or more wheels that is primarily propelled by the rider using pedals or hand cranks. Bicycles are used for transport, recreation, sport and the carriage of small loads or passengers when appropriately equipped.
Some bicycles have an electric motor that assists the rider while pedalling. Whether an electrically assisted bicycle remains legally classified as a bicycle depends on its motor power, assistance speed and local regulations. Cyclists must follow the traffic rules, signs, signals and road-use requirements that apply to bicycles.
Wikimedia.org • Datendelphin • CC0
What is legally considered a bicycle in Belgium?
A Belgian bicycle is a two-wheeled cycle propelled by pedals or hand cranks. Three- and four-wheeled cycles up to 1 metre wide are generally treated in the same way for the applicable cycling rules.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government — assisted-cycle categories and conformity requirements
Is an ordinary electric bicycle legally a bicycle in Belgium?
Yes. An electrically assisted bicycle remains classified as a cycle when the auxiliary motor has a maximum continuous rated power of no more than 250 W, assists only while pedalling and stops providing assistance by 25 km/h.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government — assisted-cycle categories and conformity requirements
Is a cyclist legally a driver in Belgium?
Yes. A cyclist riding a bicycle is considered a driver and must follow the traffic rules applying to drivers as well as the specific rules for cyclists.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government — assisted-cycle categories and conformity requirements
Must Belgian cyclists use a cycle path?
Yes, when an applicable and usable compulsory cycle path is provided. Cycle paths may be identified by the prescribed road markings or signs such as D7 or D9.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government — assisted-cycle categories and conformity requirements
Mandatory path for cyclists.
English • Traffic sign D7 • Compulsory cycle track.
Français • Signal routier D7 • Piste cyclable obligatoire.
Nederlands • Verkeersbord D7 • Verplicht fietspad.
Sources
SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org
Vascer • Public domain. Original SVG unmodified.
🔗 Wegcode.be • Artikel 69. Gebodsborden (NL)
🔗 Codedelaroute.be • Article 69. Signaux d'obligation (FR)
Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path.
English • Traffic sign D9 • Part of the public road reserved for pedestrians, bicycle riders and two-wheeled class A moped riders.
Français • Signal routier D9 • Partie de la voie publique réservée à la circulation des piétons, des bicyclettes et des cyclomoteurs à deux roues classe A.
Nederlands • Verkeersbord D9 • Deel van de openbare weg voorbehouden voor het verkeer van voetgangers, van fietsen en van tweewielige bromfietsen klasse A.
Sources
SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org
Vascer • Public domain. Original SVG unmodified.
🔗 Wegcode.be • Artikel 69. Gebodsborden (NL)
🔗 Codedelaroute.be • Article 69. Signaux d'obligation (FR)
Is a bicycle helmet compulsory in Belgium?
No. There is currently no general helmet requirement for ordinary cyclists, although wearing an approved bicycle helmet is strongly recommended.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government — assisted-cycle categories and conformity requirements

Traffic rules
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