Chemin séparéBelgique
Règles de circulation
Belgique
1. Chemin séparé
Un chemin séparé est un chemin ou une partie de route où différentes catégories d’usagers, généralement les piétons et les cyclistes, disposent de sections distinctes au sein du même itinéraire. Ces sections peuvent être différenciées par des marquages routiers, des matériaux de revêtement différents, une bordure ou une autre séparation physique.
Les usagers doivent rester dans la partie du chemin qui leur est destinée et être particulièrement prudents lorsque les sections se croisent, fusionnent ou rejoignent une route. Les usagers autorisés, les règles de priorité et les éventuelles limitations de vitesse dépendent de la signalisation et de la réglementation locales.
Which Belgian sign indicates a separated pedestrian and cycle path?
The Belgian D9 sign indicates a part of the public road reserved for pedestrians, bicycles and two-wheeled class A mopeds, with pedestrians separated from the other permitted users.
How are pedestrians and cyclists separated on a D9 path?
The separation must be created using a continuous white line, different road-surface materials, a physical separation or a combination of these methods.
Which side of a D9 path should pedestrians use?
Pedestrians must use the section indicated for pedestrians by the D9 sign and the corresponding separation on the path.
Which side should cyclists use?
Cyclists must use the cycling section indicated by the sign and remain on that part rather than using the pedestrian section.
Is the cycling section of a D9 path legally a cycle path?
Yes. Under the current Belgian Road Code, the section reserved for bicycles and two-wheeled class A mopeds by D9 forms part of the legal definition of a cycle path.
Can class A mopeds use the cycling section of a D9 path?
Yes. Two-wheeled class A mopeds are expressly included among the users for whom the cycling section of D9 is reserved.
Can speed pedelecs use a D9 path?
Yes, under the applicable speed and signage rules. Belgian rules permit speed-pedelec riders to use D9 cycle facilities, with their obligation or choice depending on the road speed limit and any supplementary signs.
Can cyclists ride in both directions on a D9 cycle section?
Only when the facility is legally arranged for two-way bicycle traffic. The direction in which the cycle path may be used depends on the placement of the D9 signs and the road layout.
What is the difference between Belgian D9 and D10?
D9 separates pedestrians from cyclists and class A moped riders. D10 reserves one shared space for pedestrians and cyclists without requiring separate sections.
Why would D10 be used instead of D9?
D10 can be used where there is insufficient space or no practical need to separate pedestrians and cyclists. D9 is preferred where the two categories can be provided with distinct sections.
Can a D9 facility have a different surface on each side?
Yes. A clear difference in paving material is one of the authorised methods for separating the pedestrian section from the cycling section.
Is there a special speed limit on D9 paths in Belgium?
There is no single nationwide D9 speed limit applicable everywhere. Riders must follow the speed restrictions applying at the location and adapt their speed to the circumstances. In Wallonia, D9 facilities within built-up areas have a maximum speed of 30 km/h.
Do pedestrians and cyclists automatically have priority when a D9 path crosses a road?
No. The D9 designation itself does not provide universal priority at every road crossing. Users must follow the applicable priority signs, traffic lights and crossing rules.
Will Belgium keep D9 under the new Code of the Public Road?
Yes. From 1 June 2027, D9 continues to indicate a compulsory part of the public road for pedestrians, cyclists and class A moped riders, while the newer sign system separately regulates shared pedestrian-and-cycle facilities.
