The street code

Zones designed for everyone's safety

The 'street code' refers to the set of rules aimed at ensuring better safety and harmonious coexistence between all road users within built-up areas. To this end, several types of zones have been created, each with its own speed limits and priority rules, always for the benefit of the most vulnerable road users.

The 30 km/h zone

The 30 km/h zone encompasses a group of streets where the speed is limited to 30 km/h for all vehicles. It is indicated by a specific rectangular sign at the entry and an end-of-zone sign at the exit.

This 30 km/h limit has a major impact on pedestrian safety: at this speed, the chances of survival in a collision are approximately 90%, compared to only 20% at 50 km/h. This is why 30 km/h zones are common near schools and in residential areas.

In one-way streets within 30 km/h zones, cyclists may ride against the flow, even without specific signage. Be vigilant for cyclists coming towards you in these streets.

The shared zone

The shared zone goes further than the 30 km/h zone. It is open to all road users, but pedestrians always have priority (except facing a tram). Pedestrians are not limited to pavements and pedestrian crossings: they may move freely on the carriageway.

Cyclists may travel in both directions. Motor vehicles are permitted but must respect the 20 km/h limit and give way to pedestrians and cyclists. As in 30 km/h zones, cyclists may use one-way streets in both directions.

The pedestrian area

The pedestrian area is the most restrictive zone. It is reserved almost exclusively for pedestrian traffic. Cyclists are the only other permitted users, but they must ride at walking pace and in both directions. All motor vehicles are prohibited, except service vehicles necessary for internal access.

A supplementary sign may sometimes limit the pedestrian area to a specific time slot (for example, pedestrian from 10 am to 6 pm).

End of zone: three possible cases

These three types of zones end in one of the following cases: when the end-of-zone sign appears (the same sign but crossed with a red or black line), when another zone begins (for example, moving from a 30 km/h zone to a shared zone), or when leaving the built-up area.

Contraflow cycling

Some one-way streets allow cyclists to travel in both directions. Specific signage (sign or road marking) may indicate this, but in 30 km/h zones and shared zones, this possibility exists even without specific signage. Motorists, always check for possible cyclists coming towards you, even in a one-way street.

Everyday courtesy

Beyond the rules, courtesy is essential for calm traffic. At junctions, when in doubt, give way rather than take a risk. At pedestrian crossings, stop well before the lines to show you have seen the pedestrian. Avoid unnecessary horn use and aggressive behaviour that generates stress and dangerous situations.