Since 1 October 2022, the cycling zone in Bruges has made cyclists the priority in the city centre, covering 90 streets where cars are no longer allowed to overtake bikes. By 2025-08-19 18:45:00, this zone will expand significantly, stretching across nearly the entire historic heart of Bruges with 390 streets, or 87 kilometres, dedicated to cyclists.
- Brugge maakt fietser baas in binnenstad
- Fietszone breidt uit naar 390 straten
- Openbaar vervoer blijft uitgesloten van fietszone
- Plaats 120 kruispunten extra verkeersborden
- Handhaving fietszone vereist heterdaad bewijs
- Communiceer duidelijk met bewoners over uitbreiding
Mayor Dirk De fauw proudly calls this expansion “the largest cycling zone in Belgium,” emphasizing the city’s commitment to slowing down traffic and giving cyclists the right of way over cars. But how will this affect public transport and accessibility in a city known for its medieval streets and bustling tourism?
As the new rules take hold, questions remain about enforcement and driver compliance. Let’s explore what this means for Bruges residents and visitors alike.
Will drivers respect the new regulations, and how will public transport operate smoothly within this expanded zone? The city excludes key streets used by buses to maintain flow and avoid slow traffic jams. This approach shows a thoughtful balance between encouraging cycling and keeping the city accessible.
- Several long streets are excluded to prevent cars from being stuck behind slow cyclists.
- Over 120 intersections require new signage to mark the start and end of the cycling zone.
- Enforcement depends on police witnessing violations, making compliance a challenge.
- Temporary large signs and resident communication will support adaptation to the new rules.
As Bruges leads the way in cycling-friendly urban planning, residents and visitors alike are encouraged to embrace these changes. Will this inspire other Belgian cities to follow suit and rethink their traffic priorities?
