Cycling in Belgium

Where can you cycle?

• You always need to ride on the cycle path. You can recognise a cycle path by the intermittent road markings, the red colour of the path, or the cycle sign.
• If there is no cycle path, you can always cycle to the right of the street.
• Only children are allowed to cycle on the pavement.

Safety

When cycling, you should pay attention to the following:

• Always use cycle lights when cycling in the dark.
• Wear a helmet and a fluorescent vest.
• Always watch out for cars when you turn off.
• When you turn off, you must first stick out your arm in the direction you wish to turn off.
• Do not drink any alcohol if cycling.
• You must not use your mobile phone on your bike to make calls or send text messages.
• Children are not allowed on the luggage rack, they need to be in a special seat attached to the bike.

Bike lock

When parking your bike, always lock it with a chain or a bike lock. Bikes are often stolen in Belgium!

Your bike must be roadworthy

In order to cycle legally, your bike must be roadworthy.

• a bell
• strong brakes at the front and rear
• a white or yellow light in the front and a red light at the rear
• a white reflector at the front and a red reflector at the rear
• reflectors on the pedals
• reflectors in the wheels or tyres, with a reflective edge