Credit: 8lettersuk (Flickr)

Legislation to allow Belgian cyclists to turn right at red lights is coming into force quicker than planned.

We've reported in the past the Belgian cyclists will be able to legally run red lights. For a quick recap, Belgian traffic code has been modified in favour of cyclists in two ways:

• Firstly, on streets with a B22 or B33 sign, cyclists can pass through a red or orange light provided they give way to other road users. 
• Secondly, the code also foresees the creation of "rue cyclables". This means that cyclists will be kept in the main body of traffic, though cars and other vehicles will have to defer, and give way, to those on bikes and cannot attempt to overtake. Speeds will be kept to 30 kilometres per hour.

The Belgian Newspaper, Le Soir has now reported that the law, dating back to July 2011, is going ahead quicker than foreseen and is expected to come into force within the next 20-25 days. 

There are currently over 5000 ‘right turn on red’ intersections in Germany. The Netherlands allows bicycles to turn right where the sign “rechtsaf voor fietsers vrij” is present.

About the Author

 Julian Ferguson is the Communications Officer for the European Cyclists’ Federation. Originally hailing from Australia and a keen bicycle advocate, he plans one day to ride his bicycle from Brussels to Melbourne