Ban on bicycles and mopeds in downtown pedestrian zone
Bicycles and mopeds are not permitted everywhere in the downtown pedestrian zone. You are only allowed to cycle in the busiest shopping streets when the shops are closed. Mopeds are never allowed there.
Ban on bicycles
The ban on bicycles is in effect:
- from 11.30 to 18.00 hrs.
- on Thursdays until 21.00 hrs.
There are routes where you are allowed to cycle through the downtown area (see the map below). You are allowed to cycle through the Grote Marktstraat.
Ban on mopeds
The ban on mopeds means that you are not allowed to ride your moped in the busiest shopping streets. Look at the map below to see the routes where you are allowed to ride your moped.
Signs
The municipality has placed traffic signs in the area where there is a ban on bicycles and mopeds.
- Pink: pedestrian zone
- Dark green: routes for bicycles and mopeds
- Light green: routes for bicycles (Nieuwstraat, Grote Marktstraat, Raamstraat, Achter Raamstraat and the Wagenstraat and Voldersgracht from the Grote Marktstraat towards Gedempte Gracht)
- Red: bicycles and mopeds are not permitted (Passage and Bagijnestraat)
- Bicycle sign: location of bicycle parking facilities
Why is there a ban on bicycles and mopeds?
A ban on bicycles and mopeds in the busiest streets makes these streets safer for pedestrians.
Bicycle parking facilities
Are you coming to the downtown area by bicycle or moped? Place it in 1 of the Biesieklette bicycle parking facilities around the pedestrian zone. These facilities are free and guarded. Unguarded bicycle parking facilities can be found on the Gedempte Burgwal and Wagenstraat.
Enforcement
If you ride your bicycle or moped in the busiest shopping streets when it is not permitted, you could get a fine. Municipal enforcers will actively check whether people are obeying the rules.