AccotementFlandre
Règles de circulation
Flandre
1. Accotement
Un accotement est la bande de terrain située le long de la chaussée, entre celle-ci et des éléments tels qu’un fossé, un talus, une limite de propriété ou une autre zone latérale. Il peut être au même niveau que la chaussée ou surélevé et être constitué d’herbe, de gravier, de terre ou d’un autre matériau.
Il est normalement distinct de la chaussée, du trottoir et de la piste cyclable. Selon le droit routier local, les piétons, cyclistes ou véhicules peuvent être autorisés à l’utiliser dans certaines circonstances, et des règles particulières peuvent s’appliquer à l’arrêt et au stationnement.
What is a level verge in Belgium?
A Belgian level verge, or gelijkgrondse berm, is an area alongside the roadway that is separate from the pavement and cycle path, lies at approximately the same level as the roadway and is situated between the roadway and a ditch, embankment or property boundary.
What is a raised verge in Belgium?
A raised verge, or verhoogde berm, is an area alongside the roadway that lies above the level of the roadway, is separate from the pavement and cycle path and is situated between the roadway and a ditch, embankment or property boundary.
Are Belgian verges normally paved?
Not necessarily. The Road Code notes that level and raised verges are usually not surfaced with hard material and can be difficult for pedestrians to use.
Is a Belgian verge part of the roadway?
No. A verge is a separate part of the public road alongside the roadway.
When should pedestrians use a verge in Belgium?
When the higher-priority pedestrian facilities are unavailable or unusable, pedestrians must use an available raised verge before a level verge. Other permitted parts of the public road are used only afterwards according to the prescribed order.
Can cyclists use a level verge in Belgium?
Yes, when there is no cycle path. Cyclists may use a level verge on their right-hand side in their direction of travel, provided they give way to road users already using it.
Can cyclists use a raised verge in Belgium?
Outside built-up areas, yes when there is no cycle path. Cyclists may use a raised verge on the right-hand side in their direction of travel, provided they give way to the road users using it.
Can children cycle on a raised verge in Belgium?
Yes. Under the current Road Code, cyclists younger than 10 years old may use raised verges and pavements in all circumstances.
Can drivers use a level verge when passing an oncoming vehicle?
Yes, when the roadway is too narrow for vehicles to pass easily. A driver may use the level verge provided this does not endanger road users who are already using it.
Can a driver use the level verge while overtaking?
Yes, in limited circumstances. When the width of the roadway makes overtaking difficult, a driver may use the level verge provided the road users using it are not endangered.
Can you park on a level verge in Belgium?
Yes, where parking is otherwise permitted. A stopped or parked vehicle must normally be placed outside the roadway on the level verge where one is usable.
Can you park on a raised verge in Belgium?
Outside built-up areas, parking may be permitted on a suitable raised verge. Inside built-up areas, stopping and parking on raised verges are generally prohibited unless local regulations provide otherwise, subject to the specific rules for motorcycles.
How much pedestrian space must remain when parking on a verge?
If pedestrians have to use the verge, a passable strip at least 1.5 metres wide must remain available along the outer side of the public road.
What if the verge is too narrow for the vehicle?
If the verge is not wide enough, a parked vehicle must be positioned partly on the verge and partly on the roadway. If no usable verge exists, it must be positioned on the roadway according to the applicable parking rules.
Can motorcycles park on a Belgian verge?
Yes, provided they do not obstruct or endanger other road users. Motorcycles have a specific rule allowing them to be positioned outside the roadway and ordinary parking strips.
