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The traffic code clearly states that cyclists are only allowed to ride on the footpath up to the age of 13, after which they are required to ride on roads or dedicated cycle paths.
But what about hybrid paths designed for both pedestrians and cyclists? What happens if an accident occurs between cyclist and pedestrian? Is the cyclist truly always at fault, as is often assumed?
To clarify these questions, our colleagues at RTL consulted the Ministry of Mobility's spokesperson, Kim Vo. According to Vo, the key lies in understanding the differences between types of hybrid paths.
What types of hybrid path are there?
Hybrid paths fall into two categories: separate paths for pedestrians and cyclists, and shared paths used by both groups.
On separate paths – mostly found in urban areas – the infrastructure is divided into distinct zones for cyclists and pedestrians. "Cyclists must stay within the cycle lane, and pedestrians must remain on the pedestrian zone", stresses the Ministry. Ideally, these are visually and tactilely distinct, with differences in surface texture or colour. Signs indicating these paths show a bicycle and pedestrian on a round or square sign divided by a vertical line.
On shared paths, pedestrians and cyclists use the same space and have to navigate these with mutual care. The Ministry underlines that these paths should fulfil certain safety standards, such as being wide enough, obstacle-free, and differentiated by surface or colour. In practice, unfortunately, such standards are often not met. Shared paths will be marked with round or square signs displaying a cyclist and pedestrian side by side.
Additional cycling infrastructure includes the so-called 'voies suggestives' (suggestive paths), marked by dashed lines and shared with motor vehicles, and 'voies cyclables' (cyclable paths), which are separated from traffic by solid lines that cannot be crossed by motor vehicles. Dedicated cycle paths, where neither pedestrians nor cars are allowed, are rare in Luxembourg. One notable example is the Kirchberg cycle path alongside the tram.
For more information on these paths and their rules, visit veloplangen.lu.
What requirements are there for hybrid paths?
Hybrid paths – shared equally by pedestrians and cyclists – must meet specific width requirements. A shared path is feasible from a minimum width of two meters, which, according to the Ministry, "is sufficient to allow a pedestrian or cyclist to cross safely".
If the path runs directly alongside a road, an additional safety strip of half a meter must be added. This means that within urban areas, a minimum width of 2.5 meters is generally required for a shared path, and must ideally remain free from obstacles such as streetlights, bins, or traffic signs.
Unfortunately, it isn't always guaranteed that cyclists and pedestrians can maintain sufficient distance from one another on these shared routes. To address this, square signs allow cyclists to decide whether to use the road or the designed cycle path.
For separate paths, the minimum width depends on the type of traffic:
- Two-way traffic requires at least 3.5m (2m for cyclists and 1.5m for pedestrians);
- One-way cycling traffic requires at least 2.5m (1m for cyclists and 1.5m for pedestrians).
For this type of path, it is essential that the two zones are visually and tactilely distinct. If space becomes too narrow in certain sections, a separate path may temporarily transition into a shared path.
If you're curious whether a cycle path could be added to your street, you can give the veloplangen.lu simulator a go. This tool offers only an estimate, each case is evaluated individually before implementation.
Who is responsible in case of an accident?
To determine responsibility in the event of an accident, it’s essential to first identify the type of path where the incident occurred. Was the pedestrian in an area reserved for cyclists? Was the cyclist in the pedestrian zone? Or did the accident happen on a shared path?
"A pavement is, by definition, reserved for pedestrians," explains the Ministry. "Only pedestrians, children under 13, and adults accompanying a child are allowed to use bicycles on a pavement. Even then, they must ensure they do not obstruct or endanger others.” (Article 162bis of traffic law).
However, this rule applies only to areas explicitly designated for pedestrians. “If signs explicitly permit cycling on a path, it is no longer considered a pavement.... In such cases, cycling is allowed – or even required – on that path.”
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Determining responsibility is not always straightforward and often depends on multiple factors, the Ministry notes. For example, if a cyclist was in a pedestrian-only area, they would typically be at fault. However, the pedestrian’s behaviour also matters. On shared paths used by both pedestrians and cyclists, the situation becomes even more nuanced.
“An accident is usually the result of a combination of factors. The traffic code outlines several general rules of conduct aimed at mutual awareness”, the Ministry states. These rules include the requirement to always be able to brake or swerve in the face of danger and to ensure that any manoeuvre can be carried out without endangering others.
So the key takeaway is that while cyclists are not automatically at fault in accidents, they must remain vigilant and considerate of other road users. Pedestrians, too, share the responsibility of ensuring safety.
Here are some more details around the legal requirements for a roadworthy bicycle, along with the numerous safety tips from the police to minimise the risk of accidents.
