Kortrijk (Brussels Morning Newspaper): During lights check in Kortrijk, police found 27% of cyclists without lights. Mayor Ruth Vanderberghe stressed safety during dark winter mornings.
In Kortrijk, a bicycle light check took place on Zwevegemsestraat, a busy road used by many schoolchildren going to school. It has been said that this check was important for safety, especially during the morning rush when the street gets crowded with young cyclists. Zwevegemsestraat was chosen because it’s a key route for both students and commuters. The goal was to make sure that all cyclists, particularly children, had working lights on their bikes to improve their visibility and safety during the darker hours of the day.
What are the consequences of riding a bicycle without lights in Kortriik?
According to resources, during recent checks, more than one in four cyclists were riding without lights. Out of 266 cyclists and e-scooter riders, 73 did not have lights, which is concerning. Those over 16 will face fines, while younger riders will have to attend a traffic class to learn the rules and understand the dangers of riding without lights. Some cyclists were fined for using smartphones, carrying passengers, or not having ID, and one e-scooter rider was caught riding on the sidewalk.
Mayor Ruth Vanderberghe from Team Burgemeester Stadslijst Kortrijk discussed the importance of checking bicycle lights during the winter when it’s dark, especially in the mornings. She said, “We are still in the dark months, especially during the morning rush hour,” which shows why these checks are needed for the safety of young cyclists. The campaign is meant to remind and teach people about safe cycling during this tricky time of year when it’s hard to see.
