Your Essential Travel Guide To Motorycling In Belgium
Discover Things To Do Whilst Motorycling In Belgium
Belgium holds significant charms for the independent motorcycling holidaymaker. Plus, it’s just a short hop across the border from our Dunkirk port, or a slightly more scenic trip through northern France from our Calais landing. And from our Dutch port in IJmuiden, the Belgian border is just 85 miles.
Motorcyclists visiting Belgium can experience stunning scenery as a backdrop to thrilling routes, spanning the country from Bruges in the north to Bastogne in the south. The Ardennes is a veritable motorcycle playground, and the First World War battlefields of Passchendaele and Ypres as well as the iconic Menin Gate Memorial all provide the adventurous rider with poignant stops along their way.
In the east of the country you’ll find the legendary Circuit De Spa-Francorchamps (Spa Racing Circuit), 7km long track which is home to the Belgian Grand Prix.
Languages
Belgium is a federation of the Flemish-speaking Flanders, the French-speaking Wallonia and the bilingual capital of Brussels. As a result, Belgium has three official languages: French, Dutch and German.
French is prevalent in the south, Dutch in the north. Brussels is bi-lingual and in some Eastern provinces, German is spoken. English is also widely spoken and understood, though not recognised as an official language.
This being the case, road signs and especially place names are often presented in multi-lingual format and can be very confusing to visitors. It’s wise to make sure you’re well aware of the various place name spellings before travelling.
Belgian motorcycling law
All motorcyclists riding in Belgium must wear protective clothing. This includes gloves, a jacket with long sleeves, trousers with long legs or an overall and boots that protect the ankles.
Children under the age of 3 are not allowed as passengers on motorcycles. Children between the ages of 3 and 8 may be carried as passengers with the use of a special seat, but only on motorcycles up to 125cc.
Documentation
When riding in Belgium the following documents should be carried at all times:
- Full, valid driving licence
- Proof of insurance (third party or above)
- Proof of ID (Passport)
- Proof of ownership (V5C Certificate)
- If you’re riding around Belgium for longer than 90 days (lucky you!) you’ll need an International Driving Permit
Speed limit
Unless otherwise stated by appropriate signs, the following national speed limits apply:
- Motorways – 120km/h
- Other roads – 90km/h
- Residential areas - 20 km/h
Unless traffic is congested or conditions are dangerous, vehicles must observe a minimum speed limit of 70 km/h on motorways.
