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Cycling streetBrussels

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Brussels. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Brussels

9. Cycling street

A cycling street is a street designed or legally designated to give cyclists a prominent position in mixed traffic. Motor vehicles may usually enter, but they must adapt their speed and driving behaviour to the presence of cyclists.

Depending on the country, cyclists may be permitted to use more of the carriageway and motor vehicles may be prohibited from overtaking them. The speed limit, priority rules, permitted vehicles and beginning and end of the street depend on local traffic signs and regulations.

Sign indicating a cyclist street. One-way street with cyclists and class A mopeds permitted in both directions. (Olsene, Belgium)
Wikimedia.org • Spotter2 • CC BY-SA
How can you recognise a Belgian cycling zone?

A Belgian cycling zone begins at the cycling-zone sign showing a bicycle and a car and ends at the corresponding end sign. The wording naming the cycling zone is optional.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.61, 12, 22novies and 71.2 (F111/F113)

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.61, 12, 22novies and 71.2 (F111/F113)

What is the speed limit in a Belgian cycling zone?

The maximum speed is 30 km/h. This limit applies to every driver, including cyclists and speed-pedelec riders.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.61, 12, 22novies and 71.2 (F111/F113)

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.61, 12, 22novies and 71.2 (F111/F113)

May motor vehicles enter a Belgian cycling zone?

Yes. Motor vehicles are permitted unless additional traffic signs restrict access. Their drivers must respect the 30 km/h limit and must not overtake cyclists, including other cycle users and speed-pedelec riders.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.61, 12, 22novies and 71.2 (F111/F113)

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.61, 12, 22novies and 71.2 (F111/F113)

May a motor vehicle overtake when no cyclist is present?

The special prohibition protects cyclists, including other cycle users and speed-pedelec riders. Motor vehicles may overtake vehicles outside those protected categories only where the ordinary overtaking rules allow it and the manoeuvre can be completed safely.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.61, 12, 22novies and 71.2 (F111/F113)

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.61, 12, 22novies and 71.2 (F111/F113)

Do cyclists automatically have priority in a cycling zone?

No. The ordinary priority rules remain applicable. Cyclists must obey traffic lights, give-way and stop signs, priority-from-the-right rules and pedestrian crossings.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.61, 12, 22novies and 71.2 (F111/F113)

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.61, 12, 22novies and 71.2 (F111/F113)

How do Belgians refer to a cycling zone?

The current official Dutch term is fietszone. The French term is zone cyclable. The zone is designated by cycling-zone entrance and end signs; it is not simply any street used by cyclists.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.61, 12, 22novies and 71.2 (F111/F113)

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.61, 12, 22novies and 71.2 (F111/F113)

1 Brussels 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Built-up area 6 Zone 7 Speed limit 8 Bike path 9 Cycling street 10 Pedestrian zone 11 Speed bump 12 Customs 13 One-way traffic 14 Quay 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Dead end 18 Stop sign 19 Give way 20 Roundabout 21 Priority road 22 Road narrowing 23 Priority over oncoming traffic 24 Give way to oncoming traffic 25 Pedestrian crossing 26 Railway crossing 27 Mandatory direction 28 Turn prohibition 29 School area 30 Crossing animals 31 Rockfall 32 Curve 33 Chevron 34 Wrong-way driving 35 Roadworks 36 Height limit 37 Width limit 38 Weight limit 39 Radar speed sign 40 Selective barriers 41 Intersection direction sign 42 Priority at the next junction 43 Traffic lights 44 Pedestrian lights 45 Driving licence 46 Location marker 47 Traffic mirror 48 International border 49 Cycling route 50 Parking 51 No parking 52 Kiss and ride 53 Parking meter 54 Traffic management 55 Reversing 56 Uncontrolled crossroad 57 Road surface 58 Ring road 59 Cycle highway 60 Licence plate 61 Charging station 62 Dangers 63 Turn on red 64 Identity card 65 Fire risk 66 Pedestrian 67 Moped 68 Car 69 Truck 70 Bus 71 Police 72 Ambulance 73 Tram lights 74 European emission standard 75 Pothole 76 Public square 77 Path 78 Particulates 79 Air pollution 80 Rush hour 81 Road code 82 Street gutter 83 Cargo bike 84 Forestry vehicle 85 Construction vehicle 86 Semi-trailer truck 87 Trolleybus 88 Speed pedelec 89 Delivery vehicle 90 Idling 91 Tow truck 92 Four-wheel drive 93 No vehicles 94 Bicycle 95 Motorcycle equipment 96 Railcar 97 Rail track 98 Public transport 99 Caravan 100 Trailer ...