fietszones

Fietszones are zones in urban areas designed to prioritize cycling and to reduce conflicts between cyclists and motorized traffic. They are part of broader efforts to promote sustainable mobility, improve road safety, and create more livable streets. In a fietsstraat, bicycles have priority over motor vehicles; cars may use the street only when necessary and must yield to cyclists. Speeds are typically restricted to around 30 km/h or lower.

Other fietszones use traffic calming and low-speed design while allowing some motor vehicle access. They often feature reduced speed limits, sometimes down to 20-30 km/h, and street layouts that slow cars through lane narrowing, chokers, or raised features. In shared-space or woonerf-style zones, pedestrians and cyclists may have priority, with vehicles expected to travel at walking pace and give way to non-motorized users.

Signage and design elements emphasize cycling safety and priority. Signposts indicate cyclist priority and appropriate speeds, while road design may include narrowed lanes, curb extensions, raised intersections, and dedicated bicycle surfaces. The exact rules and indicators are set by national or local traffic regulations and can vary between jurisdictions.

Implementation is typically handled by local authorities as part of urban mobility plans. Fietszones are common in the Netherlands and Belgium, where cycling is a central element of transport policy, and are increasingly adopted in other European cities seeking to reduce car dominance and promote cycling as a everyday mode of transport. Benefits cited include safer, more comfortable cycling conditions and higher mode share, while challenges can include coordination with car traffic, enforcement, and the need for clear, consistent signage.