The Rise of Speed Pedelecs and New Legislation for Bicycle Zones in Flanders
Introduction
Recent legislative changes announced by the Flemish government promise a new phase for bicycle zones in the region. The news, reported by various media outlets including Het Nieuwsblad, reveals that municipalities will soon be allowed to install fixed speed cameras and average speed controls in bicycle streets. This change follows some local initiatives, such as in the Bodukap police zone in the Antwerp region, where measures have already been taken against 22 speed pedelec users for speeding in bicycle or 30 km/h zones.
Regulation in Bicycle Zones
Within bicycle zones, there is a speed limit of 30 km/h, and motor vehicles, including mopeds, are prohibited from overtaking cyclists. Speed pedelecs are permitted if they do not exceed 30 km/h. Despite these rules, enforcing the speed limit in bicycle zones often proves challenging, as violations are currently primarily determined by police officers on-site.
The upcoming deployment of unmanned speed cameras or section controls in bicycle zones is expected to enable more effective enforcement. This means that speedy mopeds or speed pedelecs - capable of reaching speeds up to 45 km/h and having a license plate - can be fined.
Reactions and Perspectives
Flemish Mobility Minister Lydia Peeters (Open VLD) supports this adaptation of the regulations, seeing it as a means to grant municipalities and police zones more and better possibilities to enforce the speed limit in bicycle zones effectively. The Cyclists’ Union favors unmanned speed cameras and route controls. Spokesperson Wies Callens told VRT NWS that there are currently few checks on the speed limit in cycling zones. However, Callens warns against viewing speed pedelecs as problematic, emphasizing that a speed pedelec replaces a car in traffic, solving the mobility problem.
Rise in Speed Pedelecs in Belgium
At the beginning of this year, there were 65,650 registered speed pedelecs in Flanders. The sale of second-hand speed pedelecs is currently on the rise. However, this growth is accompanied by an increase in accidents. Provisional figures for 2022 indicate that 658 injury accidents involving speed pedelecs were registered in Flanders.
Conclusion
The announced legislative changes for bicycle zones in Flanders promise a new phase in enforcing speed limits and road safety. With the rise of speed pedelecs as an alternative to cars, there is a growing need for regulation and enforcement to ensure the safety of all road users. The introduction of unmanned speed cameras and route controls could be a significant step forward in achieving these goals.
