Leuven (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – CD&V Leuven, led by Fons Laeremans, is calling for clearer traffic signs and red-green light poles to improve safety in Leuven’s pedestrian zones. A courtesy campaign starts in 2026.
As VRT News reported, CD&V Leuven has launched a new campaign to improve safety in the city’s pedestrian zones. The party says that accidents between cyclists and pedestrians are becoming more frequent, especially on busy streets such as Brusselsestraat and the Grote Markt.
“Especially for those who are a bit older and perhaps less mobile, it can be quite a shock when a cyclist suddenly speeds past you,”
says Fons Laeremans of CD&V Seniors Leuven.
“But it’s not just seniors; families with children should also be more careful.”
What steps is CD&V Leuven taking to make pedestrian zones safer?
The senior members of CD&V Leuven say that unclear traffic signs are a major cause of confusion. In several locations, cyclists are confronted with multiple signs at once, often containing too much text. This makes it difficult to know when cycling is allowed, when to slow down, or when to walk the bike. The party is urging the city to install simpler and more consistent signs throughout all pedestrian areas.
Senior members of CD&V Leuven say that traffic poles with red and green lights are easier for cyclists to understand than the many traffic signs now used in the city.
“This way, cyclists know right away whether it’s yes or no,”
the seniors said. They point out that such poles are already installed in a few places in Leuven and have shown good results.
CD&V councillor Laeremans says that some cyclists are still not following the rules, even when signs are clear.
“We can put up as many traffic signs as we want, but it remains crucial that cyclists respect pedestrians,”
he said. To improve safety, the city plans to start a new courtesy campaign to guide cyclists on proper behaviour in pedestrian areas. City officials say the campaign will begin in 2026.
“They’re still ultimately in a pedestrian zone, so pedestrians are essentially in charge there,”
Laeremans adds.
“We would already go a long way if cyclists behaved a bit more calmly.”
The debate over safety in Leuven’s pedestrian zones has been active for several years. The city has expanded several shared spaces since 2023, including parts of Brusselsestraat and the Grote Markt, to make the centre more accessible for cyclists. While the plan aimed to support Leuven’s cycling policy, many pedestrians and older residents raised concerns about near accidents and unclear rules.
