In 2021, police fined 12,517 cyclists. The three most frequent offenses relate to the absence of lights on bicycles, non-observance of traffic lights and mobile phones while driving. Police also fined 360 cyclists for drink-driving, while 150 cyclists were fined for “riding without holding the handlebars or with an animal on a leash”, according to Minister Verlinden in her response to MP MR Michel De Maegd.
The latter complained to the Minister that there is “a feeling of impunity with regard to offenses committed by cyclists”.
The coordinator of the Fietsberaad Vlaanderen center, Wout Baert, however, points out that “cyclists and motorists are effectively punished in the same way today. Both are ‘drivers’ according to the law and are treated in the same way”. According to Mr. Baert, however, it is logical that the police pay more attention to the control of motorized vehicles, which carry greater risks and account for the largest share of accidents and victims.