Flanders launches a two-year pilot project allowing large bicycle trailers on public roads. Flemish Mobility Minister Lydia Peeters (Open Vld) hopes the experiment will contribute to the emission-free delivery of goods in city centers.

Today, bicycle trailers may not be wider than one meter. However, during the pilot project, companies will be able to apply for a permit to extend that maximum width by twenty centimeters. The permit is valid for two years.

Transport pallet

This way, courier companies, for instance, can use bicycle trailers carrying a wider cargo. The most common dimensions of standard transport pallets are 1 200 x 1 000 mm, 1 200 x 800 mm, or 1 200 x 600 mm.

Minister Peeters: “The end of the logistics chain often takes place within urban limits. The last mile also turns out to be the most polluting. By keeping exhaust gases out of the city, we will improve the quality of life in our city centers.”

Conditions

“With this pilot project, we will stimulate small-scale and combi-mobile distribution. In doing so, we take maximum account of road safety, traffic flow, and infrastructure.”

However, there are some conditions attached. Those who want to use wider trailers are not allowed to ride speed pedelecs. On roads where speed exceeds 50 km/hour, cyclists with wide trailers must use the bikeway.

Evaluation

However, on roads with a lower speed limit, they may also use the road. Loading and unloading have to take place in parking zones, and it’s forbidden to transport dangerous products.

During the pilot project, participating companies have to provide particular data, like the specific route they follow, the number of rides, the type of cargo, etc. After two years, the project will be evaluated to decide whether current traffic regulations should be amended to allow bicycle trailers of up to 1,20 meters permanently in traffic.