PathWallonia
77. Path
A path is a relatively narrow route intended for pedestrians and, where permitted, other road users or small vehicles. Paths may run through urban areas, countryside, parks, forests or between other roads and can be surfaced or unsurfaced.
A path is not necessarily the same as a footpath or cycle path. The road users permitted to use it depend on its legal status, width, traffic signs and local regulations.
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What is legally considered a path in Belgium?
A Belgian path, or pad, is a narrow public road that allows only pedestrians and vehicles requiring no more width than the space normally needed by pedestrians.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.5, 5 and 12.3.1(b)
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.5, 5 and 12.3.1(b)
Can cyclists use a Belgian path?
Yes, where no sign or other rule prohibits them and the vehicle satisfies the characteristics of traffic permitted on the path. The path itself is not automatically a compulsory cycle facility.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.5, 5 and 12.3.1(b)
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.5, 5 and 12.3.1(b)
Can ordinary cars use a Belgian path?
Normally no. A path only allows vehicles that require no more width than the space needed by pedestrians, so an ordinary passenger car does not fit the legal characteristics of permitted traffic.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.5, 5 and 12.3.1(b)
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.5, 5 and 12.3.1(b)
Who has priority when a driver leaves a Belgian path?
A driver coming from a path onto a public road with a roadway must give way to every driver travelling on the road or roadway being entered.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.5, 5 and 12.3.1(b)
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.5, 5 and 12.3.1(b)
Can traffic signs further restrict a Belgian path?
Yes. Although the legal definition determines which traffic can physically and legally use a path in principle, traffic signs can impose additional access prohibitions or reservations.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.5, 5 and 12.3.1(b)
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.5, 5 and 12.3.1(b)

Traffic rules
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