New campaign aims to clarify traffic rules for skaters

A new campaign has been launched to clarify traffic rules for skaters in Flanders, aiming to enhance safety and awareness. Developed by the UHasselt Institute for Mobility in collaboration with KPM Skate and Skate Flanders, the campaign will introduce explanatory signs at all skate parks and skate clubs across the region.

“Skaters must adhere to various traffic rules,” explains Professor Tom Brys of the Institute for Mobility. He continues, “When you skate at a speed of up to 5 kilometres per hour, the law considers you a pedestrian, and you must therefore skate on the pavement. If there is no footpath or cycle path, you have to skate on the left side of the street. But if the skater moves faster than 5 kilometres per hour, they are considered a cyclist and must therefore skate on the cycle path on the right side of the street, with the traffic.”

The signs, designed by the Institute, clearly outline these rules in a way that is easy for young people to understand. Skate Flanders will distribute them and will soon be visible at all skate parks and skate clubs throughout the region.

"Skating is more than a sport," says Mariska Hermans of Skate Flanders. "It is a way of life, a creative outlet and a means of transportation." She notes that it is crucial for skaters to move safely, highlighting that understanding the rules for skating on public roads is essential for both skaters and other road users.

Gilles Lizin of KPM Skate Hasselt says that skaters often face misunderstandings from other road users, leading to unnecessary confrontations. “Sometimes skaters are even shouted at or chased away when they skate on public roads, even though they have a place in traffic just like pedestrians, cyclists or people with a scooter.” The Hasselt skate club is pleased with the new signs, hoping they will help reduce such incidents and ensure that everyone shares the road safely.

^{©JOEL SAGET / AFP}