Belgians propose running red lights law

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Authorities in Belgium are thought to be considering a law that will allow cyclists to pass through a red traffic light under certain circumstances.

The law would allow cyclists to go through a red light when cycle traffic does not to have to merge with other traffic i.e. turning right at a crossroads.

A parliamentary commission has agreed, after strong lobbying, to propose a parliamentary bill allowing cyclists to jump a red light under those strict conditions but there is some doubt in Belgium whether the bill will ever become law.

Doubt over law passing

The law has to pass the Chamber of Representatives, according to the Flandersnews.be website, with the Belgian State Secretary for Mobility, Etienne Schouppe (a Flemish Christian democrat), already announcing his opposition to the idea. The Belgian Road Safety Institute has also said it is not in favour of allowing cyclists to jump red lights in any form.

Position in other European countries

In Sweden, the city council in Stockholm is mulling whether to allow cyclists to run red lights at traffic lights at certain periods of the day. The Netherlands and France allow cyclists to turn right ahead of other traffic at a red light.