Heerlen tightens bicycle rules in city center

We are making the city center more attractive for visitors. That is why new rules will apply in the pedestrian zone from 2026. Cycling will only be allowed in most of the pedestrian zone outside of store opening hours. And we will only apply the window times (7:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.) for loading and unloading.

Clear rules

In recent years, a mix of agreements and pilot projects have been implemented regarding bicycle use in the pedestrian zone. Despite all efforts, complaints about nuisance and unsafe situations continued. The growth in fast-moving fat bikes and bicycle delivery services further increased the pressure. The municipality has therefore opted for a clear and robust approach. This will ensure safety and quality of life in the city center.

Alderman Marco Peters Mobility):
“The center of Heerlen should be a place where you can shop, walk, and spend time comfortably and safely. That is why we have opted for ‘shops open, cyclists walk’. These rules send a clear message: the pedestrian zone is primarily for pedestrians. This ensures comfort and clarity and allows us to tackle nuisance behavior effectively.” 

New measures

The Saroleastraat, Promenade, Bongerd, and Pancratiusplein area has the highest priority when it comes to making it bicycle-free. To ensure that enforcement remains feasible, we are extending the bicycle ban to (parts of) Honigmannstraat, Pancratiusstraat, Akerstraat, Promenade I and II, Bongerd, Pancratiusplein, Uilegats, Plaarstraat, Morenhoek, and Oude Veemarktstraat. Parts of Stationsstraat and Dautzenbergstraat are already covered by the existing ban.

Outside of the restricted hours, you are allowed to cycle there, except in the Maankwartier. Cycling remains prohibited there. This means that some residents and visitors will have to walk the last bit to their destination during opening hours.  The bicycle parking facilities will remain accessible as usual. From now on, we will only apply the restricted hours between 7:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. for deliveries. All other traffic will be denied access to the pedestrian zone during those hours.

The measures will take effect in early 2026 and will be piloted for at least one year. A comprehensive evaluation will follow at the end of 2026, which will also take into account national developments concerning fat bikes, among other things.