From early May, speedpedelecs will no longer be allowed to ride through the St Anne’s Pedestrian Tunnel, the pedestrian tunnel beneath the Scheldt in Antwerp, Gazet van Antwerpen reports. Cyclists using regular or electric bikes will also be required to move at walking pace.
The measure was announced during recent information sessions on Linkeroever (Left Bank) about the upcoming closure of the tram tunnel under the Scheldt. That closure, starting on 4 May 2026, is expected to significantly increase traffic in the pedestrian tunnel.
Enforcing existing rules
According to Antwerp’s Mobility Alderman Koen Kennis (N-VA), the city is reinforcing existing regulations rather than introducing entirely new ones. The tunnel is officially designated as a pedestrian zone under the Belgian traffic code. This means mopeds and speedpedelecs are not permitted, and cyclists are only allowed to pass through at walking speed.
Speedpedelecs differ significantly from regular e-bikes in both performance and legal status. While standard e-bikes provide pedal assistance up to 25 km/h and are treated as ordinary bicycles, speedpedelecs can reach speeds of up to 45 km/h and are classified closer to mopeds. As a result, they are subject to stricter rules, including mandatory helmets, licence plates and insurance, and are often excluded from pedestrian areas.
Authorities say the rules will be more strictly enforced in the coming months. Additional signage will be installed, and stewards will be deployed to encourage compliance. If necessary, police may be asked to intervene.
The decision follows a growing number of complaints about cyclists and speedpedelec users travelling at excessive speeds through the tunnel, creating unsafe situations for pedestrians.
Users of speedpedelecs, who often rely on the tunnel for commuting to the port, will still be allowed to walk their vehicles through. Alternative routes include the ferry across the Scheldt or the cycling tunnel near the J.F. Kennedy Tunnel.
Cyclists’ association protests
The cyclists’ association Fietsersbond has criticised the ban, arguing that it penalises responsible users along with those riding dangerously. The organisation also questioned how effectively the new rules can be enforced.
It also raised concerns about the requirement for cyclists to travel at walking pace, estimated at around 5 to 6 km/h, calling it unrealistic and potentially unsafe. The group pointed out that the tunnel is much quieter during early morning and late evening hours, when such strict limitations may seem disproportionate.
Brussels
In other cities such as Brussels, similar pedestrian zones are already subject to strict enforcement. Cyclists who fail to respect walking pace limits, or who use prohibited vehicles such as speedpedelecs, risk fines of up to €174.
The debate has also prompted questions about whether speedpedelecs could be allowed in the Waasland Tunnel. Currently, the traffic code prohibits their use there, as the tunnel is reserved for motor vehicles. Although speeds are limited to 30 km/h, concerns remain about steep gradients and air quality in the heavily used tunnel.
