A cyclist in the East Flanders region of Belgium has been issued a speeding ticket by local police for travelling at 41km/h (25.5mph) in a 30km/h (18mph) zone.
Originally traffic officers were performing routine checks in the municipality of Zwijndrecht to check on speeding cars; but as it happens, they also managed to catch a speeding cyclist too. Speaking to Nieuwsblad, police Commissioner Werner Fabré said that the bike was identified by its license plate and a fine of 55 euros was imposed for the speeding offence. He elaborated: "The speed limit is simply a general rule that everyone must follow, including cyclists."
On their Facebook page, Zwijndrecht Police also clarified that this wasn't a particular witch-hunt against cyclists or S-pedelec riders, but they were simply enforcing a law that applies to all vehicles on the roads.
S-pedelecs are an increasingly popular mode of transport in Belgium, with the Brussels Times reporting that 11,000 were registered on Belgian roads at the end of 2018. Similarly to the UK, S-pedelecs with speeds of up to 45km/h are classed like mopeds and must be insured with a license plate, and the rider must wear a helmet. To ride an 'EU-legal' e-bike, with a max motor assist of 250 watts that cuts out at 25km/h, Belgians have to be over 16. In the UK anyone over the age of 14 is allowed to ride an e-bike with a 250 watt limited motor, and anything over that counts as a speed pedelec that needs registering with a number plate and insuring. If you like the sound of a super speedy e-bike (and are happy to stay within the speed limits) check out our guide on how to buy and ride one in the UK... unfortunately, it's not the simplest of processes!
