Increasing amounts of Belgians cycle to work, which has led Mobility Minister Georges Gilkinet (Ecolo) to give the green light for the creation of 'middle lanes' to better protect cyclists, reported De Morgen.
Road users need to be better protected, according to Gilkinet. He believes that users of the road need better control reinforcement and behavioral adaptations, but that they a real place on the road for increased road safety.
The 'middle lane' will be introduced if a road isn't wide enough for a cycle path in each direction. Based on the layout of the road, one lane in the middle will be created for cars through interrupted lines. On both sides of the road, there will be safe space for cyclists.
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Drivers will be required to drive in the middle section at an appropriate speed, where they will be able to overtake or cross other vehicles on the side lane, but without putting in danger pedestrians or cyclists.
This new type of lane can start being worked on from Thursday 1 October, after which other new traffic rules come into effect. Then, drivers on Belgium will be required to clear a path for emergency services as traffic starts to slow down.
