Guides & Tips An Adventure Traveler's Guide to Belgium. Bike theft is reality in Brussels, if you bike long enough, you’ll have one stolen; consider it something of a rite of passage. An efficient brake 2. We are more than happy to enter into brand ambassadorships with brands we use and trust. Want more? There is also Bikepooling (www.bikepooling.be) where volunteers will help you set up and ride a bike commute. But even the best lock isn’t foolproof. Helmets are another important element of safety. A cycling holiday in Belgium will be pure cycling pleasure! see your wireless carrier plan for pricing details. Hello, I have the RS Belgium book and there is info on biking in Bruges but what I would like to do is bike between Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges. Tip: If you can't see the email, check the spam folder (or the "Promotions" tab in Gmail). Too many people just shrug it off and go to Gare du Midi to get a new bike. Mandatory but no fines apply. This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. Belgium is ideal for a cycling holiday, especially from our port in Dunkirk – though Belgium can be easily reached from either of our Calais or Amsterdamour ports in Amsterdam, Dieppe or Calais crossings too. no purchase necessary to enter or win. Discover Holland, famous for its iconic windmills, rolling countryside and culture hubs of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Haarlem. For starters, you need to know some basic rules. Riding a bike in Brussels is generally quite safe. I need to find a bike rental company preferably in Brussels to do this. Brussels has, you may have noticed… Hills. Still, splurge on the lock. It is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on it. Mandatory. The leading cause of accidents? Why go cycling in Belgium? If you’ve already read our ultimate guide to cycling in Flanders, then you’ll know cycling in Belgium isn’t for beginners or for the faint-hearted! This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. And please do report it! a good distance from parked vehicles. For years, hopping on a bike in Brussels was not for the faint of heart. Epic Road Rides is happy to review and promote products we love, whether they are physical or digital. The provision of cycle paths very much depends on which region of Belgium you are in. The perfect place to treat yourself to a present. Click below to consent to the use of this technology on our website – and don’t worry, we respect your privacy. The best thing you can do for yourself then is to get on that bike! In a majority of accidents, the study found, cyclists were not wearing reflective vests. And of course, cyclists can protect themselves. Yes, the H-word. The clearly marked-out trails - many of which are car-free, high quality and safe - will give you an unforgettable cycling experience. From there, bike to Mechelseplein and its many terraces and Stadspark, the city’s central park. We will process your data in accordance with our privacy policy. - “yield to the right” which means traffic from the right has priority, even if you’re on the more major road; - you have to ride on a bike path if there’s one available, even if it is located on the opposite side of the road (assuming it’s two way). We will use this to send you your guide, updates and newsletters. You may withdraw this consent/opt out at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of emails we send you or by emailing us. Cycling enthusiasts should also head to Kleine Markt, where they can pick up some trendy cycling gear from Mark. Renting folding bikes at Gare du Nord in Brussels: https://www.recyclo.org/pointvelo/home.htm, Cycling Advocacy www.gracq.be www.provelo.be, Cycling and the Environment: www.bikeforall.net. Sadly, Covid-19 means travel is currently difficult - but I hope the information you find here will help you plan for once it’s possible again. Depending where you get the bike from, think about riding 10 to 15min. Epic Road Rides is all about long-term relationships. Cycling and Biking in Belgium On this website you will find detailed descriptions of bike routes in Flanders, as well as points of interest along routes of other regions. Tomorrow will start the famous and notorious cycling race Paris-Roubaix. Keep them somewhere safe so that if there is a theft, you can report it with all the details. Studies have shown that there is no increase in accidents on these kinds of roads. Here are some great places to start (and of course, there is more on the bike section of the Sunbeams website)! You show us, we’ll show the cycling world. Please go to your email, find our message and click on the link. Find out more here. Otherwise, cyclists must follow the same rules as cars: giving priority to pedestrians and vehicles entering from the right, stopping at red lights, and obeying traffic signs. The best way to find your own cycling routes is to take a look at the Brussels cycling map, available for sale in a waterproof hardcopy or for free download. Holland. There are some last words we should say on the subject of biking in Brussels — cyclist to cyclist now. Getting more cyclists on the road! The cycle paths are well established and signed; a node point system showing where paths intersect makes navigation child's play. It can seem a little complex at first; once you learn how to read it, you won’t leave home without it. In the French speaking reg… Keep . In the Flemish speaking north of the country, regions like the Flanders, Limbourg Antwerp and Brabant regions have very good cycle paths connecting most villages and through most towns. Whatever the length or type of content you need, get in touch. The Best Cycling Routes In Belgium. While the climbs are short, they are often ferociously steep and conquering the cobbled climbs requires strength, skill and a dose of luck! Get lots of cool stuff you won’t get on the blog. Flanders: www.groteroutepaden.be www.fietsroute.be (all in Dutch), Wallonia: www.ravel.wallonia.be (French) or, www.randovelo.org (Dutch, French, German and English). If there is one basic rule of bike security in Brussels it is this: skimp on the … See & Do Top 10 Things To See and Do in Bruges, Belgium. Reflective vests and lights, for instance, can make a big difference, particularly at night. If it’s as unseasonably warm in Belgium as it is in the UK, now would be a particularly excellent time to visit! Bikes should always be attached to an immovable object (bike racks are best) and the wheel (particularly if it is a quick-release wheel) should be attached to the frame. However, exercise must only be done either alone, with members of your household, or with one person from … The best step for cycling safety though? Benefits to working with Epic Road Rides: Almost there. If you’re considering a cycling holiday in Belgium, then you’re in for a treat and particularly if you’re visiting Flanders, the home of Belgium’s Flemish-speaking Belgians! Once you start biking, you’ll notice that some streets are more bike-friendly than others, certain roads follow ridges rather than climbing hills, and there are some intersections to be avoided at all costs. For that reason, the law allows cyclists eighty centimeters of space between their bikes and parked cars. Tips on clothing and gear for riding cobbles, Your essential guide to UCI Gran Fondo World Championships Varese road race, Round the Isle of Wight cycle route (aka Isle of Wight Randonnee), Col de Peyresourde region, French Pyrenees. We will process your data in accordance with our privacy policy. STAYING ON THE RIGHT Cycle close to the edge of the road on the right. https://www.recyclo.org/pointvelo/home.htm. // Obey The Rules. Bike barge tour Belgium: journeys of cuisine and culture. If you find you don’t like our emails, you can unsubscribe with just one click. new belgium 30 th anniversary bike giveaway. Take care and happy riding, Clare. Don’t miss our guides to the best road cycling routes and our review of the Tour of Flanders Museum. Home » Blog » Belgium » Flanders » Cycling in Belgium: 30 tips for tackling Flanders and the famous cobbled climbs. Which cookies and scripts are used and how they impact your visit is specified on the left. New restrictions were announced by the prime minister on 4 January. Your choices will not impact your visit. People must stay at home and only leave for permitted reasons, which include exercise. The view of Antwerp’s skyline from the other side of the river is jaw-dropping. Belgium has a glorious past and easily manages to connect the historical heritage with everything modern. Have you cycled in Flanders? History The Most Significant Historical Sites in Belgium. Never ride your bike against the traffic flow. Renting a Bike: www.nmbs.beLook under “fietsverhuurstations” to buy a train ticket including a rented bike. Cycling in Germany General rules of the road . After logging in you can close it and return to this page. What sort of digital mapping are you after? You can opt out at any time. Alternatively, head straight to their site and check them out yourself. Compulsory use of helmets has often been discussed, and is disputed (see Bicycle helmet laws ). Partial rules apply. If we love your product and think our readers will too, Epic Road Rides will write articles that are about, or mention, your product or destination and then promote them across social media. As of now, bike theft is not a major priority for the Brussels police, and this has a lot to do with the statistics on bike theft being under-reported! You may withdraw this consent at any time by emailing us. When I first moved to Brussels three years ago, I used to commute by bike across the Place Flagey to Avenue Louise. The bicycle rules and desirable behaviour vary according to where you are riding, and the rules are therefore specific to different areas. Receive all our inspirational guides as soon as they’re published. Where can you get digital mapping for Belgium from? We spent a relaxing day biking along the canal from Bruges to the border of the Netherlands, and this turned out to be a highlight of our trip to Europe. You can of course change your mind and withdraw your consent at any time, by returning to this site after clearing the cookies on your computer or device. Receive all our inspirational guides as soon as they're published. A bell – and no other audible warning device 3. Epic Road Rides disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this page. Where there is a bike path, bikes must use it. We're proud to be brand ambassadors for Stolen Goat. In time, they even become the best part of the ride, the moment when you know you’re getting yourself in shape and that rather than burning fossil fuels to get yourself home, you’re burning calories, you’re generating endorphins, and you’re making the planet a better place. The Brussels region also offers a service of bike engraving. It’s hard not to feel a little dorky wearing one the first time, but this falls into the category of better safe than sorry – and once you get in the habit, you hardly notice you’re wearing it. void where prohibited. By reporting theft, you can help make the roads safer for all the other bikes rolling around Brussels now. According to a study conducted by the Brussels region, even when accidents occur, ninety percent aren’t serious enough to merit even calling an ambulance. For kids, they even offer classes on biking in traffic with parents acting as sympathetic drivers. www.gracq.be Cycling advocacy group that also rents bikes in Brussels. The more cyclists there are, the safer the environment becomes. If it went there, move it into your inbox (or the "Primary" tab if you're using Gmail). Any bike shop should be able to tell you which locks are the best, and it is well worth the investment – forty euros on a lock is cheaper than two hundred euros on a new bike. A Find and create cycling routes through the multilingual Belgium, which is located in the middle of Western Europe, thanks to the bike route planner. But I’ll tell you the truth, the little Brussels cyclist secret: they’re not half as bad as they look. If there is one basic rule of bike security in Brussels it is this: skimp on the bike, splurge on the lock. White or selective yellow front lamp Each country also has its own laws and so… According to the Vienna Convention, a cycle is a vehicle with at least two wheels that is propelled solely by the muscular energy of the person riding on that vehicle, in particular by means of pedals or hand-cranks. With the introduction of 15 new cycling superhighways planned for 2025, Belgium is truly a country in love with the bicycle. Your guide will then be emailed to you straight away. Here we share our tips for preparing for a cycling trip to Belgian Flanders, as well as our top tips for how to ride the cobbles! Thank you for your kind words! The map shows the contours of hills and also codes the streets of the city in terms of their openness for bikes. The Rules lie at the beginning of The Path to La Vie Velominatus, not at the end; learning to balance them against one another and to welcome them all into your life as a Velominatus is a never-ending struggle waged between form and function as we continue along The Path towards transcension. We will keep your email address safe in accordance with our privacy policy. Search by the month you want to travel or cycling destination you want to visit, here. Expatica uses technology such as cookies and scripts to personalize content and ads, provide social media features, and analyze our traffic. Have you got tips to add? This can be done for free at any bike event or on specific days at your local commune and police station, or for €1 at the Pro Velo offices in Brussels. If it is shared with pedestrians, pedestrians have the right of way. The best website on biking in Brussels, all in English, including a list of all bike shops and a link to download the bike map. Kim Kardashian officially files for divorce from Kanye West. Don’t hesitate to take it, no matter if it bothers the drivers behind you! You generally use the same space as other drivers and share a lane with them. Security!. The government continues to encourage people to take outdoor exercise, so riding your bike is still very much allowed. Has anyone done this? We’d love it if you commented below! We use ridewithgps.com to plan our routes – does that help? With a population of just 11 million people, Belgium punches above its weight in the cycling world. Drivers opening a car door into a passing cyclist. Baloise Belgium Tour: from 09-06-2021: Internationale Wielertrofee Jong Maar Moedig I.W.T. The wearing of bicycle helmets and the attitudes towards their use vary around the world. Familiarize yourself with the bicycle rules, and you will not end up in an accident caused by a misunderstanding. Expatica helps make your expat journey the experience you've always wanted. But we hope that won’t happen. in discomfort before hitting that street. Regardless, make note of the bike’s make, model, and frame number. Cycling in Belgium: 30 tips for tackling Flanders and the famous cobbled climbs. Epic Road Rides’ readers tell us that the main reason they come back to us is for our content. We will use this to send you updates and newsletters. You may change your settings at any time. With some simple guidelines, biking in Brussels can become such a safe, efficient, and pleasant way to get around the city that you’ll never move any other way; that’s to say nothing of all the pollution you’ll save by doing it. We will process your data in accordance with our privacy policy. They’re the best way to let people know you’re coming, and they’re fun for scaring pigeons. I realized in watching her, just how intimidating biking in Brussels can be. Overtake other ve-hicles by passing to their left, including when you are on dedicated paths for cyclists. The Belgian Cycling Federation has tightened its COVID-19 protocol for cyclocross races, obliging riders to show they have tested negative for the virus before being allowed to compete. The login page will open in a new tab. Have a cookie This is a fantastic guide – so packed with information; it has really given me a desire to get on the next Eurostar to Belgium. Bruges, Belgium is known for its chocolate and beer, and biking in Bruges is another plus. France. Belgian cycling team drops out of race due to positive coronavirus test. New coronavirus cases, patients in hospital increase ‘People aren’t feeling well’: general practitioners warn of their patients’ waning psychological state. a product purchase will not improve your chances of winning. Places to Stay The Best Hotels To Stay At In Bruges, Belgium. complete official rules . The below is Brexit dependant for UK residents, but here’s what applies for now. Thankfully, municipal governments are taking strides to make cycling safer in Brussels. Want to check out some other destinations? If a lane is wide enough to share with another vehicle (about 14ft/4m), ride 3ft/1m to the right of traffic. The 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic set out some guidelines to apply across EU countries, and Article 44 refers to requirements for bicycles. So you can find your perfect Belgium bike ride, we’ve reviewed our full collection of cycling routes in the region to deliver the top 20. Most of them include a description and a detailed itinerary. Every morning I would pass a woman heading in the other direction, wobbly and uncertain on her brand new mountain bike, helmet firmly fastened, reflective vests and lights all over, a look of terror in her eyes as if she was being forced to swing dance in a mine field. Outside Brugge the bike pathes are seperate, you can also cycle at the westside of the canal having lesser and (hopefully) slower driving traffic. We’ve all been sitting in a car and seen a cyclist bike past, standing on her pedals and clawing her way up the Mont des Arts or the Avenue Terveuren, and we’ve all thought: “Suckers!”. We will use this to send you updates and newsletters. Belgium has an extensive network of interesting long-distance cycling routes, which allow you to explore this fascinating country. Sponsoring a prize is a great way to drive additional engagement and exposure with Epic Road Rides’ audience. For one way streets, this means that as long as the sign says “Excepte / Uitgezonderd” with a picture of a bike, you can ride in the opposite direction. A red rear reflector 4. Cycle racing is a popular sport in Belgium.It is governed by the Royal Belgian Cycling League since 1882, which became a founding member of the International Cycling Association in 1892 and later of the Union Cycliste Internationale in 1900. First-hand accounts are written from a cyclist’s perspective, that get under the skin of amazing destinations. Hi, I’m Clare, I'm a road cyclist with a passion for travel. All bicycles must have: 1. Cyclists vising Belgium will find well-marked bike lanes as well as breath-taking countryside and incredible monuments. If you find you don't like our emails, you can unsubscribe with just one click. Cycling UK's guide to cycle lighting regulations explains the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations in detail, but in summary you need a white light at the front and a red light at the rear, visible from the front and rear respectively and fixed to your bike. Cycling in Belgium is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore more of this part of Europe. Travel Guides. Red rear lamp 5. Once you make it up a hill once, you always make it up. I set up epicroadrides.com to help make it easy for road cyclists to explore new places by bike. Or maybe you just want to learn more about the environmental benefits of cycling? We will use this to send you updates and newsletters. If the lane is not wide enough to share, “take the lane” by riding in the middle. But trust me, it can be done! We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. Want to learn more about biking in Belgium? NOTE: These settings will only apply to the browser and device you are currently using. Gracq and ProVelo, two non-profit organizations working to promote cycling in Belgium, offer classes on bike safety. Cookies Policy. Many accidents and adverse events occur because cyclists and motorists are insufficiently familiar with the bicycle rules. To find the one which is right for you, click on any of the Tours to see a full breakdown of its details including elevation profiles and surface analyses, and browse real tips and photos shared by other members of the Komoot community. Bikes cannot ride on the sidewalks. The contents of this page is provided for general information purposes only. Get lots of cool stuff you won't get on the blog. - you have to ride on a bike path if there’s one available, even if it is located on the opposite side of the You may withdraw this consent/opt out at any time by emailing us. These are generally well thought out and separate you well from the traffic, usually on a tarmac area at the side of road and they often make good use of bridle way type tracks which generally have a very good surface. See also The Prophet’s Prayer. Please log in again. These rides are grouped by city and route.