Brussels cyclists want super-fines for car yobs

5 April 2004

BRUSSELS – Cyclists’ organisations in Brussels are demanding ‘super fines’ for motorists who park on the city’s bike lanes.

Flemish and French-speaking cyclists’ groups were united in their anger this weekend arguing that drivers who stop on cycle lanes ‘for two minutes’ should have the book thrown at them.

To make their point, hundreds of bike owners blocked some of the capital’s main streets to impress on drivers how annoying such obstructions can be.

The cyclists are angry because under Belgium’s strict new road safety laws, blocking cycle lanes is not considered a serious offence, whereas parking on a pavement can be.

The two groups said thoughtless motorists should be hit where it hurts “in their wallets”.

Subject: Belgian news