From October 1, authorities will have the option of creating center-lane carriageways. A royal decree to this effect signed on July 30 by Mobility Minister Georges Gilkinet will come into force on October 1.
When a carriageway is not wide enough to accommodate a cycle lane in each direction and the layout is suitable, the central lane carriageway will reserve a single lane for motorized vehicles in the central lane. On either side, a secure area will be reserved for cyclists.
On a road called “center track“, motorists must travel on the central part, at an appropriate speed. They can overflow onto the side strip to cross or overtake, but without putting pedestrians and cyclists traveling there in danger. This system already exists abroad, especially in the Netherlands.
