GUIDE FOR CYCLING IN BELGIUM (LEUVEN)

0.Control of traffic

1.Authorized persons
1.1 definition
1.2 The orders / signals

2.The traffic lights

2.1. Tricolour circular traffic lights
2.2. Red, orange and green arrows
2.3 Flashing lights

3. Traffic signals
3.1 The traffic signs
3.2 The traffic signs regulating priority
3.3. The prohibitive signs
3.4. Signs giving positive instructions
3.5. Traffic signs regulating waiting and parking
3.6. Information signs

4. The road markings

5. Summary of the attention points for cyclists

6. Drunk driving

7. Third- Party Liability insurance

8. Getting your bike back

 1. Control of traffic
The Traffic Code stipulates that traffic is controlled by:
- Signals by authorized persons
- Signals: traffic lights, traffic signs, and road markings:
- The traffic code
!!!! In practice these are applied in the following order!!!!:
1.Orders given by authorized persons
2.Traffic lights
3.Traffic signs
4.The highway code

1 Authorized persons
1.1 Definition
An ‘authorized person’ in this context is someone given by law the authority to control the
traffic and ensure that the regulations are respected. As there are police officers, customs
officials, military police, agents acting for a public transport body.
Some people may, during an event, be in a limited capacity, responsible for
the control of traffic. They can not give orders only instructions, which you
must follow.
They have to use a traffic signs C3 (see picture) which has to be held up
high to stop traffic. They can only operate at crossroads of pedestrian
crossings were there are no traffic lights. For example School crossing
supervisors.

1.2 The orders / signals

The word ‘order’ means: ‘an instruction that must be obeyed’. In the frame work of traffic
regulations an order can only be given by an authorized person. The order can also be given
by a policeperson who is not in uniform in that case the person must make himself or herself
known as such by showing an official police service-card.
The well-known policeman’s whistle is not an order but simply a way of attracting attention.
The order will follow the whistle and is usually a signal.

* The arm is raised vertically:

All road users, including pedestrians, coming from all directions must stop. Those still on the
crossroad or crossing should leave it immediately.
* Arm(s) raised horizontally:
Stop signal for all road users approaching perpendicularly to the direction of the
outstretched arm(s). The outstretched arm indicates a barrier to these and at the same time
shows the direction traffic may still follow.
* Other signs and signals giving an order:
- By using a red torch an authorized person can signal you to stop by waving it from left to
right, perpendicularly to the direction you are coming from.
- A ‘STOP’ sign, lit up on the illuminated panel found on some police vehicles is also an order
to stop.
- Along with the afore-mentioned signals there are also the well known gestures such as the
circular movement of the forearm (Drive on!) or the up and down movement of the arm
(Slow down!)
- Finally an officer can also give you a spoken order.
!!!!!!! ATTENTION: FAILURE TO OBEY AN ORDER FROM AN AUTHORISED PERSON IS A
SERIOUS TRAFFIC OFFENCE!!!!!!
When traffic is controlled by traffic lights, the priority vehicle may, by using the blue flashing
lights and special sound device, pass the red light after having stopped and on condition that
this does not endanger other road users. Once the special sound device signals the approach
of a priority vehicle, every road user must immediately clear the passage and prioritize. If
necessary he must stop.

2. The traffic lights

2.1. Tricolour circular traffic lights

Only the lights on your right hand side apply to you! They may well be repeated to the left or
above the road.
* Red: you must not cross the ‘stop line’, or if there is no stop line you must not pass
the light itself.
* Orange: you must not cross the ‘stop line’, or if there is no ‘stop line’ you must not
pass the light itself.
Orange thus has the same significance as red, UNLESS as the light turns orange you are so
close that you can not stop safely; in that case you may drive on providing you do not
endanger other drivers.
!! To drive past a red or an orange traffic light is a serious traffic offence (Fine: 165€!)
* Green: you may pass the ‘stop line’ and the traffic light.

* N.B.: There are also two or three colored lights which apply:
· To pedestrians only;
· To cyclists and mopeds only.

2.2. Red, orange and green arrows

* Red-orange-green (tricolor) arrows:
They have the same meaning as the usual tricolor traffic lights but only apply in the direction
indicated by the arrows; arrows indicating different directions may appear simultaneously,
even if they are of different colors
* Red traffic light combined with green arrow(s)
If one or more green arrows are lit up at the same time as the red light you may pass the red
light in order to follow the direction of the arrows, you must however give way to traffic and
pedestrians coming from the other direction.

2.3 Flashing lights

* Flashing orange light
You may always drive past a flashing orange light, but you must be twice as careful, as all the
usual priority rules still apply.
 * Flashing traffic light at level railroad-crossings
- Two alternately flashing red lights, accompanied by the ringing of a bell and some times a
barrier:
You must not cross the ‘stop line’ or if there is no stop line you must not pass the traffic light
itself!! (Fine up to 450€!) This rule applies to all road users including pedestrians and cyclists.
- White flashing lights mean you may cross.
However always do so with care and make sure there is no train coming!!! Be careful!

3. Traffic signals

3.1 The traffic signs

M8: a small sign attached under the traffic sign itself, can add to the sign’s
message, giving details oo stipulations and limitations.
‘Uitgezonderd’ means ‘except for’

3.2 The traffic signs regulating priority

B1: You must stop and give way

B5: You must give way!

* On B1 and B5 traffic signs an additional M8 sign can indicate that only cyclists and mopeds
must give way or stop!!!!!!!!!

Crossroads with priority to the right

Narrow passage; you must give way to approaching traffic

You have right of way; the thin horizontal line can be modified to show more
clearly the angle of the intersecting road

!!!!! IMPORTANT!!!!!! : In case there is no sign regulating priority at a crossroad, the rule of
‘priority for people coming from the right’ applies. So you have to give priority to the drivers
coming from your right hand side but you have priority over the drivers coming from your
left

Always be careful though and make sure that the drivers coming from the side roads have
seen you coming.

3.3. The prohibitive signs

These are often combined with M8 sign (see 3.1 )

C1: No entry for vehicular traffic. This means also for bicycles!(fine: 165€!)

C3 No entry in either direction for all vehicles. This means also for bicycles.

C11 No entry for cyclists.

3.4. Signs giving positive instructions

D5 Roundabout circulation, that is anti-clockwise

D7 Cycle track, obligatory for cyclists and class A mopeds

D9 Segregated route, on the one side for pedestrians on the other for cyclists and
class A mopeds

D10 This part of the road is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists

D11 Obligatory footpath

3.5. Traffic signs regulating waiting and parking

E1 No parking
This sign is often used when there are some festivities in Leuven. In that case you
can not park your bicycle in some places for safety reasons. You will see the
following sign with a sign to specify the date of the parking prohibition.

3.6. Information signs

There are some other information signs important for cyclist:

If you see this sign it means that there is one-way traffic but the additional
sign indicates cyclists may ride in both directions
!! The pedestrian zones in Leuven can get a bit confusing sometimes especially if you don’t
understand Dutch.
This traffic sign means it is a pedestrian zone. The Dutch writing reads:
‘Uitgezonderd laden en lossen van 6u. tot 11u.’ this means motorvehicles can
enter to load or deliver goods between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. You can cycle here
This sign is used at the Grote Markt.
At the Diestsestraat (shopping) you see the cycle sign, underneath the bike is
written ‘tussen 19u. en 11u.’ So you can cycle here between 7 p.m. and 11 a., so
when the shops are closed. Outside these hours you are not allowed to cycle.
The sign at the Muntstraat doesn’t have a bike on it. So you can NOT cycle there.

4. The road markings

* Lines indicating a cycle lane:

That part of the public road marked off by two parallel broken white lines and of insufficient
width for a car, is a cycle lane.

* Pedestrian (zebra) crossing

White bands set parallel to the axis of the road mark off a pedestrian crossing.
If there is a pedestrian waiting at a zebra crossing you must give way to them and let them
cross the road. When you are crossing with your bike, you do not have priority.

* Advance cycle lane at traffic lights

At traffic lights a cycle lane may lead to a ‘box’, which is edged by two white
(stop) lines crossing the width of a lane, within is a white painted picture of a
bicycle. When the traffic lights are red cyclists and mopeds may position
themselves in the box (so that, when the lights are green, they can pass safely
in front of the cars and either go straight on or turn).
This F14 information sign announces an advance cycle lane.

5. !!!!!!!! Summary of the attention points for cyclists !!!!!!!!

· As a cyclist (and as a pedestrian) you are obliged to carry your identity card or residence
permit with you so you can identify yourself at all times.
· Cyclists have to use the cycle track if there is one available on the right side of the road or
one that is designed for riding in both directions.
· They have to ride on the right hand side if there is no cycle track and they use the road.
· Cyslists may ride two by two next to one another except when the crossing of vehicles is
not possible. Outside the built up area they must also ride single file when a car approaches
form behind.
· For cyclists it is also prohibited to ride:
- without holding the handle-bar
- When using a mobile phone
- without having there feet on the pedals;
- while somebody else is towing them;
- while they have an animal on a leash;
- while carrying somebody on the luggage rack!!!! (except for children if there is a children
seat available)
· Don’t forget to make sure you’re bicycle is working correctly.
- make sure the brakes are working, 1 for the front tire and 1 for the rear tire,
- you have a white light in front and a red light on the back. You can also attach these to
yourself. (Fine: 55€)
- you must have reflectors: one white in front, one red on the back, yellow or orange on your
pedals, 2 yellow or orange reflectors in your wheels or a reflection line on your tires directed
sideways.
- you must have a bell in working order

· One way streets:

If you ride through these roads always be careful. Remember some drivers may not know it
is a two way street for cyclists so they may not expect you when they make a manoeuvre.

If you turn, its recommended to extend your arm to announce your intention to change
direction.

6. Drunk driving

As it is with cars you are not allowed to drink and ride your bike for your own safety and for
the safety of others.

* Drunkenness is considered to be the condition in which a person is under the influence of

alcohol and no longer has complete control over their actions, not necessarily being un-
aware of those actions.

* Drunkenness is not the same as alcohol intoxication. Alcohol intoxication is measured

through a breath test and a breath analysis.

First you will have to take breath test. You have the right to a 15 minute delay before
performing this first test. You must blow continuously into the mouthpiece of the
breathalyser until the beeping sound stops. The result appears on a screen. There are 3
possibilities: S (safe), A (alarm), P (positive). When the result is safe you can drive on. When
you blow A or P you have had to

much to drink. In that case you will have to undergo the breath analysis in order to
determine the exact alcohol level.

* The breath analysis can have the following outcome:

1. Less than 0,22 mg/l exhaled alveolar air:

- There is no illegal alcohol intoxicatie so you can continue driving your car or ride your bike.
2. 0,22mg/l or more but less than 0,35 mg/ liters exhaled alveolar air:

- Your driving license will be revoked by the police officer in charge and you are banned from
driving any vehicle for a period of 3 hours.

- You will receive a fine of € 175. If you don’t have a place of residence in Belgium you will
have to pay this immediately.

3. 0,35 mg/l or more but less than 0,65 mg/ liters exhaled alveolar air:

- Your driving license will be revoked by the police officer in charge and you are banned from
driving any vehicle for a period of 6 hours.  A negative breath test is obligated before
regaining you license.  The period your driving license is revoke can be prolonged by 3 or 6
hours when this test is positive. (“A” or “P”)

- You will receive a fine of  0,35 mg/l = or < result breath analysis < 0,44 mg/l => €400,-

                                                          0,44 mg/l = or < result breath analysis < 0,50 mg/l => €550,-

                                                           0,50 mg/l = or < result breath analysis < 0,65 mg/l => Citation if
Belgian residence, €1200 if no Belgian residence                

4. More then 0,65 mg/ liters:

- Your driving license will be revoked by a chief Inspector or a public prosecutor for a period
of 15 days and you are banned from driving any motorized vehicle during this period.

- The court will decide your fine if you have a Belgian residence.  If you do not have an
Belgian residence you will have to pay a consignment op €1200 awaiting a court decision.

5. In case apart from intoxication you are also found to be drunk a citation will be made.  Your driving
license or vehicle will be revoked for a period of 12 hours.

If you don’t have a driving license our you don’t have in on you, In cases 2 an 3 your vehicle
will be held back on your own risk during the period of 3 or 6 hours. In case 4 tour vehicle
will be immobilized until you hand over your driving license and the public prosecutor
decides to give back the vehicle.

If a breath test or breath analysis isn’t possible and you show signs of alcohol intoxication a
blood sample will be taken for testing for alcohol.

You can ask for a blood test if you don’t agree with the result of the breath analysis.  If the
bloodtest confirms the result of the breath analysis you will have to pay the costs of the
blood analysis.

If you refuse a breath test or breath analysis without a valid reason you will be cited for it.
In all cases you can object to the result and the procedure.  A report will be made and the
magistrate will consider your remarks. If your remarks aren’t accepted and you are still
considered to have made an offence the fine will be higher because you will have to pay for
all the costs.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST!!! Always be polite when a police-inspector stops you and gives you a
ticket or makes you a remark. Don’t make things worse by getting agitated and starting to
shout. This won’t help things on the contrary. If you stay polite and tell them you’re sorry
they might show leniency.
Belgium does not have an official system of registered warnings for traffic violations.
Note: With the examples of the offences included I will only give the most common ones for
cyclist. Again if you want the full list you can contact the foreign student cop :
Doelgroepenwerking@politieleuven.be

7. Third- Party Liability insurance

http://www.kuleuven.be/english/services/insurances/third-party-liability-insurance

For example if you accidentally scratch/have an accident with a parked car while riding your
bicycle, and you are held responsible for the damage, the insurance company will cover the
cost of the damages to the car, but not the costs of any damage to your bicycle or personal
injury you might suffer.

In case of an accident, please report it AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to the Social Service for
International Students.
This office will file the claim on your behalf with the relevant insurance company, and will
help you in following up your claim.
They are situated at NAAMSESTRAAT 80 3000 LEUVEN ℡ 016/32.44.36

8. Fietsendienst (bike department police of Leuven)

8.1 Cleaning

When upcoming events, the police cleans up the city from wild parked
bikes. Also at the Martelarenplein in front of the railway station it’s never
allowed to park your bike. The police picks up the bikes and brings them to
their Fietsendienst.
When parking your bike at the sidewalk, you must be aware that any
pedestrian can pass. Also a wheelchair, buggy, … The police can come and pick up your
bike. You will get a fine!

8.2 Bike engraving :

Your bicycle can be engraved for free at the fietsendienst. This is no guarantee against theft,
though it does increase the chance of police tracking down and returning your bike. In case
your bike is stolen, make sure to report it. 70% of all engraved bikes that are found
eventually end up with their rightful owner.
Wednesday 13.00 to 15.30
Thursday 17.00 to 19.30

8.3 Picking up your bicycle:

The police can return a bicycle when the owner comes to pick it up at the Fietsendienst.
Recovered bikes are stored there for 3 months. For keeping your bike, the city charges 5
euros/engraved bicycle and 10 euros/non-engraved bicycle. You can pay in cash or with
bankcard.

It is advisable to contact the Fietsendienst by telephone first, before stopping by. This way
you will know for sure whether a clearance did or did not take place.
In case of theft, do not forget to bring your report form to the Fietsendienst when you come
to pick up your bicycle! You don’t have to pay a fee to get your bicycle back.
Those who are renting a VELO-bike should bring along their contract when picking up the
bike. After all, this needs to be verified.

Location: De Vunt 2 - 3220 Holsbeek:

https://www.google.be/maps/@?hl=nl
The Fietsendienst and Local District’s Bicycle Storage Place are only 200 metres away from
the Aarschotsesteenweg in (3012) Wilsele.

OPENING TIMES:

Monday 13.00 to 15.45

Tuesday 13.00 to 15.45
Wednesday 13.00 to 15.45
Thursday 17.00 to 20.45
Friday 10.00 to 15.00
Saturday 08.00 to 11.45

Telephone 016 21 09 90
E-mail Stalling.politie@kuleuven.be

BU DIRECTION BUS STOP

S
333 Leuven Gasthuisberg – Rotselaar – Tremelo Pleinstraat
334 Leuven Gasthuisberg – Aarschot
335 Leuven Gasthuisberg – Rotselaar – Aarschot
512 Schoolbus Leuven – Wezemaal – Haacht Don Bosco
513 Schoolbus Haacht Don Bosco – Rotselaar – Leuven
630 Haasrode Brabanthal – Leuven station – Wijgmaal, Remy
The location is highly accessible by public transport: You can get off at 200 metres
from the ‘Pleinstraat’ bus stop.