Luxembourg's Ministry of Mobility and Public Works and the Sécurité routière (road safety) non-profit organisation have launched a new awareness campaign centred around the Highway Code: "Respect my Space".
On Friday 26 February 2021, François Bausch, Luxembourg's Minister of Mobility and Public Works, presented the new provisions on micro-mobility as well as the new awareness campaign “Respect my Space”.
New provisions on micro-mobility
The Highway Code now distinguishes between the term micro-electric vehicle and personal mobility device.
The electric micro-vehicle brings together all new small-scale electric vehicles with at least one wheel, with or without a seat and designed for a single person, such as electric scooters or single wheels. The motor power does not exceed 0.25kW; the design speeds must be between 6 and 25 km / h and its length must not exceed 1.5 metres. A brake for single-wheel vehicles and at least two brakes acting on at least two wheels for multiple-wheel vehicles and an audible warning must be available. In terms of lighting, the vehicle needs a luminous light at the front, a red luminous light at the rear with a height of 40 cm from the ground and side reflectors. The lighting must be on day and night and neither flicker nor dazzle. In order to ensure that they are constantly seen, however, drivers can attach reflective elements or alternative lighting to their clothing or backpack. The rules of the Highway Code in terms of circulation for cyclists apply. From ten years old, one has the right to circulate in spaces envisaged for cycles or on roads; from thirteen years old, this is obligatory. Under-10s can use footpaths and other spaces intended for pedestrians, although the latter's priority must be respected.
Personal mobility devices bring together all the small means of transport with wheels attached to the foot or including a board but not electric devices, such as skateboards, children's bikes and scooters. If the personal mobility device is designed for children, it is not allowed to exceed a maximum speed of 6 km / h. The Highway Code indicates neither mandatory equipment nor lighting, although wearing a helmet and installing an audible warning device is recommended. Such vehicles can be used without restrictions on footpaths and all areas reserved for pedestrians, provided they do not exceed walking speed and on lanes marked by a road sign indicating roller skates.
A survey ("Mobilités actives 2020") carried out between 21 September and 1 October 2020 showed that electric scooters are rather well tolerated by adult residents, both on cycle paths and on footpaths for non-electric scooters, even if older residents were less enthusiastic than those under 35. The rules which now enter into force in the Highway Code take into consideration these results.
Awareness campaign
The new awareness campaign "Respect my Space" aims to highlight the role of respect between all road users in road safety. Just like exceeding speed limits, failure to respect the safety distance in all its forms is a major factor of road insecurity. Safety distances can be measured with respect to a vehicle in front, which is overtaken or with respect to a given point of the infrastructure, mainly with regard to the rules of stopping and parking. The campaign aims to appeal to this sense of respect towards other road users through video and radio spots, especially highlighted by the classic 60s song "Respect" by Aretha Franklin.
The campaign is being broadcast through road signs, advertisements at tram stops, bus displays, TV and radio spots and social media, among others.
