Ride like a local
Cycling in Bruges, explained
The signs, rules and habits that surprise visitors on a bike in Belgium: in plain words, checked against the Belgian traffic code.
Signs you'll meet
Cycle zone
In a street signed as a cycle zone, cars may drive in but may not overtake you, and the limit is 30 km/h. On a one-way street you may use the whole width; on a two-way street, the right half.
Traffic code, art. 22novies
Right on red, for bikes
A small sign with a bike and an arrow next to a traffic light means you may turn right (or go straight on, if the arrow points up) at red or amber, but you must give way to everyone else.
Traffic code, art. 67.3
One-way, except bikes
A one-way street with the plate “except cyclists” may be ridden in both directions by bike. Riding against the flow, keep as far right as you can.
Traffic code, art. 68.4, 71.3
Cycle paths are compulsory
Where there's a cycle path signed with the round blue bike sign, or a lane marked with two broken white lines on your right, you must use it. You may leave it to turn, to overtake or to get round an obstacle.
Traffic code, art. 74
Pedestrian zones
You may only ride into a pedestrian zone if a plate on the sign allows bikes. Then ride at walking pace, give way to pedestrians and walk your bike when it's busy.
Traffic code, art. 22sexies
The numbered cycle network
Around Bruges the countryside is signposted with numbered junctions on green-and-white signs: you ride from number to number. West Flanders renewed its network in spring 2026 and many numbers changed, so use a current map: older paper maps and apps may show old numbers.
Official route plannerRules that surprise visitors
Two side by side
You may ride two abreast, unless oncoming traffic can't pass. Outside built-up areas, go single file as soon as a vehicle comes up behind you.
Traffic code, art. 43.2
Priority from the right counts for bikes
At junctions without signs, traffic from the right goes first, for cyclists too. A bike crossing doesn't give you automatic priority: cross carefully.
Traffic code, art. 12.3.1, 43.3
Phone in a holder, not in your hand
You may not hold or use a phone while riding. A phone fixed in a holder on the handlebar, for navigation, is fine.
Traffic code, art. 8.4
Lights after dark
From nightfall to daybreak, and whenever you can't see about 200 m ahead, you need a white or yellow light at the front and a red one at the back.
Traffic code, art. 82.1.1
The alcohol limit applies on a bike too
The 0.5 g/l limit for drivers also applies to cyclists.
Road Traffic Act, art. 34
A plain-language summary of the Belgian traffic code as it stands in September 2026 (not legal advice). A new traffic code takes effect on 1 June 2027.
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