Police target two-wheelers in West Flanders with fines up to 174 euros

Police in West Flanders, Belgium, are intensifying road safety efforts this weekend with "Two Wheels," a large-scale operation targeting all types of two-wheeled vehicles. Officers are inspecting everything from electric bikes and speed pedelecs to e-scooters, fatbikes, mopeds, and motorcycles.

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We want to increase road safety, create awareness among users of two-wheelers, and prevent accidents.

The primary goal is to enhance road safety and foster greater awareness among users of these vehicles. "We want to increase road safety, create awareness among users of two-wheelers, and prevent accidents," stated Thomas Detavernier, spokesperson for the VLAS police zone. Officers are scrutinizing adherence to traffic rules, vehicle technical standards, rider age, and checks for alcohol and drug use.

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There are still too many victims involving two-wheelers. The number of deaths is decreasing, but the number of injuries is not. We notice this, for example, with e-scooter users. Most infringements are excessive speed, riding in pedestrian zones, and not being old enough to ride an e-scooter.

The operation, spanning multiple police zones in West Flanders, involves collaboration with the federal police, the governor, and the public prosecutor's office. Detavernier highlighted that despite a decrease in fatalities, the number of injuries involving two-wheelers remains a concern, particularly with e-scooters. Common violations include excessive speed, riding in pedestrian zones, and underage operation.

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It is very clear what is allowed and what is not, but the user must inform themselves well.

"It is very clear what is allowed and what is not, but the user must inform themselves well," Detavernier advised. He reminded users that e-scooter riders must be at least 16 years old, adhere to a 25 km/h speed limit, and carry no passengers. Fines for infractions range from 58 to 174 euros. The police are employing various methods, including static checkpoints with roller test benches to check scooter speeds and mobile patrols to intercept and bring vehicles for inspection.

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With an e-scooter, you must be 16 years old and the maximum speed is 25 kilometers per hour. Only 1 person is allowed on the scooter, you cannot carry a passenger. There are enough websites online where you can find the road code.