Wegstrook

Wegstrook is a Dutch term combining weg (road) and strook (strip) that denotes a lateral strip of land adjacent to or part of a roadway. The term is used broadly to describe a variety of roadside strips, including paved hard shoulders, unpaved verges or berms, drainage strips and green verge zones. It differs from rijstrook (traffic lane) and fietsstrook (bicycle lane) by referring to the edge area rather than the main travel lanes.

Function and design vary with context. On high-speed roads a wegstrook often serves as an emergency stopping lane and may be paved, marked and legally restricted to breakdowns or emergency use. In urban or rural settings it can act as a planting strip, pedestrian verge, cycle route extension or drainage swale. Width, surfacing and allowable uses are determined by road classification, safety standards and local regulations.

Safety and regulation are important aspects. Improper use, parked vehicles or poor maintenance can create hazards for moving traffic and emergency services. Vegetation, subsidence or debris on wegstroken affect sightlines and drainage, so municipal authorities typically manage upkeep. Environmental and planning considerations increasingly shape wegstrook design, balancing stormwater management, biodiversity and multimodal access. Legal definitions and permissible uses differ between countries and municipalities, so specific rules should be consulted locally.