Chemin piétonBelgique
Règles de circulation
Belgique
1. Chemin piéton
Un chemin piéton est un chemin ou une partie de route principalement destiné à la circulation des piétons. Il peut longer une route, traverser un parc ou une zone résidentielle, ou être indépendant des voies utilisées par les véhicules à moteur.
Un chemin piéton peut être exclusivement réservé aux piétons ou faire partie d’un itinéraire partagé avec des cyclistes ou d’autres usagers autorisés. L’accès, la priorité et les usagers autorisés dépendent de la signalisation et de la réglementation locales applicables au chemin.
Which Belgian sign indicates a compulsory footpath?
The Belgian D11 sign, showing a white pedestrian symbol on a blue circular background, means a compulsory route for pedestrians.
Must pedestrians use a D11 footpath in Belgium?
Yes. Where an accessible and passable D11 route is provided, it is among the facilities pedestrians must use before resorting to verges, parking strips, cycle paths or the roadway.
Is a Belgian footpath the same as a pavement?
No. A pavement or trottoir is a paved part of the public road specifically arranged for pedestrians. A pedestrian route can also exist independently from an ordinary pavement.
What does the Belgian legal term 'path' mean?
A Belgian path, or pad, is a narrow public road that permits pedestrians and vehicles that require no more width than the space normally needed by pedestrians.
Can cyclists ride on a D11 footpath?
No. D11 designates a compulsory route for pedestrians. A cyclist who wishes to use a pedestrian-only route must normally dismount and continue as a pedestrian where access is otherwise permitted.
Is someone walking a bicycle considered a pedestrian in Belgium?
Yes. A person walking a bicycle, motorised cycle or two-wheeled moped by hand is treated as a pedestrian.
Can someone pushing a bicycle always remain on the footpath?
Normally yes as a pedestrian, but if a person pushing a bicycle or another bulky object would significantly hinder other pedestrians, Belgian rules require that person to use the roadway instead.
What is the difference between D10 and D11?
D11 is a compulsory route for pedestrians. D10 indicates a part of the public road reserved for pedestrians and cyclists together.
What is the difference between D9 and D11?
D11 is intended specifically for pedestrians. D9 indicates a part of the public road reserved for pedestrians, bicycles and class A two-wheeled mopeds, with the categories arranged according to the sign.
Where should pedestrians walk if there is no footpath or pavement?
Belgian pedestrians follow a prescribed order of available facilities. After pedestrian facilities, they may use the appropriate verges, parking strip, lateral strip, cycle path and finally the roadway, depending on what is available and passable.
Which side should pedestrians use when they must walk on the roadway?
When pedestrians use the roadway or a lateral strip, they normally walk on the left relative to their direction of travel, although they may use the right when safety reasons justify it.
Can a Belgian footpath be part of the public road?
Yes. A pedestrian route can form part of the public road even though it is not part of the carriageway and is not available to ordinary motor traffic.
Do drivers have to protect pedestrians using pedestrian facilities?
Yes. Drivers may not endanger pedestrians lawfully using pavements and parts of the public road reserved for pedestrian traffic.
