🚲 Cycling Paths in Belgium: Who Can Use Them?

In Belgium, cycling paths are not reserved for bicycles only. Some light motorized vehicles, such as mopeds (cyclomoteurs), are also allowed. But beware: it all depends on the vehicle category and the traffic zone.

Here’s a handy guide to avoid any hesitation!

🛵 Class A Mopeds (max. 25 km/h)

✅ Obligation to use the cycling path whenever it is indicated by:

Sign D7: [🚲 Mandatory cycle path]
Sign D9: [🚲 + separated sidewalk]

👉 These small mopeds ride at bicycle speed, so sharing the path is natural.

🛵💨 Class B Mopeds (max. 45 km/h)

🔹 In zones > 50 km/h: they must use the cycling path (if practicable).
🔹 In zones ≤ 50 km/h: they have the choice between the roadway and the cycling path.

⚠️ Important signs to know:

M6 (small plate with a moped) ➝ access mandatory.
M7 (same plate crossed out) ➝ access forbidden.

👉 In all cases: never at the expense of cyclists’ safety!

⚡ Speed Pedelecs (fast e-bikes up to 45 km/h)

👌 In zones ≤ 50 km/h: free to choose between road or cycling path.
🚦 In zones > 50 km/h: cycling path is mandatory (if practicable).
🚫 Some paths are forbidden, e.g. sign D10 [🚶 + 🚲] meaning a shared pedestrian/cyclist path.

🚷 What about other motor vehicles?

🚗 🚙 🚛 Cars, motorcycles or scooters are not allowed on cycling paths.
Only bicycles, light mopeds (A and sometimes B) and speed pedelecs may use them, according to the rules above.

📌 Key Takeaways

Class A (≤ 25 km/h) ➝ always on the cycling path.
Class B (≤ 45 km/h) ➝ on the cycling path if > 50 km/h, otherwise optional.
Speed pedelecs ➝ same as Class B, but beware of exclusion signs.

👉 Moral of the story: before entering a cycling path, check your speedometer… and the road signs!

💬 Do you have a question about road traffic or an issue with a traffic ticket?
👉 Feel free to contact me to discuss it.