Faced with an increase in accidents, Antwerp wants to limit the speed of cyclists and ban certain fast vehicles on the tracks.
Faced with the increase in accidents, Antwerp wants to limit the speed of cyclists and ban certain fast vehicles on the tracks. ©Belga Images
The constant increase in the number of cyclists in Antwerp also leads to an increase in accidents involving vulnerable users. These collisions are often explained by significant differences in speed between traditional bicycles and faster machines. Faced with this, the city wishes to restrict the circulation of speed pedelecs and other mopeds exceeding 25 km/h, while establishing a strict limit on cycle paths.
More cyclists, more accidents
“We are seeing an increase in the number and severity of conflicts between cyclists,” explains Mobility Alderman Koen Kennis. In addition to banning vehicles that are too fast on the tracks, the city wants to raise awareness of the risks of behavior. And not just excessive speed but also driving against the flow of traffic, for example. A maximum speed of 25 km/h would be imposed on all tracks, including those along regional roads.
It remains to be seen how to actually apply this limitation. If speed pedelecs can be identified by their license plate, controlling classic bicycles exceeding a certain speed is more complex. “We will develop our policy in collaboration with the Flemish and federal authorities, responsible for the limitations”specifies Kennis.
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