Loire Life Cycling Holidays is run by Alison & Jon, originally from the UK who moved to France to seek adventure! Be especially careful when a lorry drives past: the air vacuum might destabilise you and make you lost balance. Note, however, that if the gaps between the lines are short and the lines long you should overtake only slow-moving vehicles. The rules at a glance In the infographic below, you will find further information on what shops and services are open and the activities you are allowed to do during lockdown. This allows you to benefit from a greater visibility and to avoid main roads and junctions and make your journey simpler. Don’t cycle too close to the sides of the road, to avoid ruts and gravel. Have done lots of cycling in Europe before, but mainly in Germany. Be bold and maintain your cycling line in the road if it would be dangerous for a car to overtake you. December 27th, 2020. Travel Tips. Note 1: These are the nationally accepted rules; there are some rules governing local roads that only apply in some jurisdictions – such as the 'turn right on red' rule that's in place in some areas of Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon and other cities. Perhaps this is one of the reasons that bike racers don’t hit their prime until their mid-30s. To cycle in complete safety, all cyclists must have a well-equipped bike in good condition. 6 juin 2018 - Cycling around France can be one of the most pleasant ways to see the stunning (and varied) countryside on offer. If there is a cycle path then use it and don’t cycle on the pavement, unless it is specifically marked for bikes. Above all, cyclists must know and apply basic rules of road safety, in built up areas and in the countryside, during the day and at night. In the UK, everyone must drive/ride on the left-hand side of the roadway. Explore. In pedestrian-priority zones, don’t cycle faster than 20km/h and respect the pedestrian’s priority. - Campsites There are even specific signs explaining this aspect of cycling laws in France as you enter towns and villages – spelling out in BIG letters that priority a droit (give way to the right) is in action. Take a quick pit stop in Castillon-la-Bataille, the site of the final Battle of the Hundred Years War ending in the defeat and the final expulsion of the British from Aquitaine. NOTE: It is illegal to ride a bike or drive a car while using headphones/earphones. Phone: +33 6 25 81 98 51 (Ali)Mobile: +33 7 83 60 23 07 (Jon)Email: info@loirelifecycling.com. -       The highway code applies to cyclists as it applies to all road users. Paris. No overtaking may also be … Everything you need to know about cycling in France your independent guide. Be especially careful when a lorry drives past: the air vacuum might destabilise you and make you lost balance. 1. The wearing of cyclists’ crash helmets is not compulsory in France, but is strongly advised. As summer continues and families take to their bikes for days out, cyclists in France are warned to pay attention to the state of their bikes and rules of the road to avoid fines of up to €375. The safest place to be is the front, and everyone is fighting to be there. You must work from home if it is possible to do so. Fri, Mar 20, 2020 12:53 . - Guided It's illegal to use a mobile phone while cycling. Don’t cycle on the pavement. Cycling in France – Road sign – You have priority. in France), in certain states or sub-national divisions (e.g. In France, younger drivers can drive as learners if accompanied by a fully licensed driver, and only after they have passed the theoretical part of the French driving test. Similarly, I rarely see road riders or club cyclists with lights, bells or reflectors on racing bikes as per the official rules. In all instances, the fault will automatically rest with the the driver of the larger vehicle (be it a car, bus or whatever) and the driver will have to prove that the cyclist was doing something really stupid that resulted in the accident. The law can levy a €11 fine per bike, rising to €33 if not paid in 30 days. The 'code de la route' includes a section on cycling and the responsibilities of cyclists using French roads. A solid line to the right of the centre line, i.e. Make sure you cycle on either a cycling lane or the right side of the road. At junctions, pull slightly forward of other vehicles so that you can be seen. If you are blind drunk and causing a danger to others you’ll be paying a fine – so don’t over-do your wine-tasting! We’re often asked by our cycling holiday guests about drinking laws and bikes. But before hitting the tarmac, first you need to know the rules of the road. If you are cycling in a group, cycle 2 abreast or in single file. A horn, bell or way of attracting attention. It takes that long to learn all the rules before you can really concentrate on riding strong! Never cycle on motorways. When cycling around corners, keep to the right as cars will only see you at the last minute. Only children of less than 8 years old are allowed to cycle their bikes on the pavement. In so being, we also maintain the sacred text wherein lie the simple truths of cycling etiquette known as The Rules. The Direction de la sécurité et de la circulation routières (DSCR) is the government body responsible for overseeing the implemenation of French road laws and the safety of French roads. You’ll need to understand the cycling laws in France and what French road signs mean when cycling in France. -       At a junction, never position yourself at the side of a lorry or bus in their blind-spot. The basics for cycling in France. Many thanks to Helen at the Alpine French School, which has courses combining cycling and French, for helping out with the translation. You will see this sign a lot on those long straight main roads here in France. It means you have priority on this road, which is obvious isn’t it? Cycling in Paris. Join us on one of our great Loire Valley Cycling Tours. Roads are shared by motorists and cyclists, which means that there must be mutual respect between road users. In fact, it is law (but not everyone in France realises) that if you are in a 30kph area then cyclists can go up all one-way streets in the wrong direction. The result is that 90% of cars that pass you give you a wide berth and don’t push the limits – knowing the law is on the cyclist’s side. Cycle on the right-hand side of the road, 1 metre from the pavement and from parked cars. Cycling for leisure is a well loved pastime in France but it is not as easy to cycle as it once might have been, therefore it is important to make sure you’re familiar with the rules and the possible dangers of cycling. Saved from about-france.com. All cyclists (and passengers) on the road at night or in poor visibility, outside of built-up areas must wear a reflective vest. Europe - Cycling in France - Have two weeks to go cycling in France. And then you’ll approach one of these little beauties. -       Don’t transport a passenger, except on a fixed seat on a bike. This covers them if they are riding or if they are a passenger. So, if you’re ever enjoying your cycling in France and are cut up by someone coming out of a side road from the right —- before you throw your bike at them and start shouting, just make sure you had priority in the first place! Cyclists, the same as drivers, must adhere to the highway code which guarantees the safety of oneself and all road users. France. You can read the complete guidance here in French. Don’t miss our great Loire Valley Cycling Tours – single centre cycle tours for those who are searching for something different! Cycling rules in the UK. Get on your bike and hit one of the city's cycle lanes. We rode from Lille Eurostar to Paris via the Somme on this six-day cycling itinerary. France first went into lockdown on March 17th, but a week later a new decree was published tightening up the rules. White lines mark the separation of traffic lanes. ***************************************************************************************************. From the country that gave the world the Tour de France, you can ride through spectacular scenery for hours, days or even weeks. (Brussels – Spa) Tour de France 2010. It is also responsible for the 'code de la route', or the French equivalent of the UK's Highway Code. Cycling Rules in France. Heads up! Here’s an easy one. Ride a bike that is roadworthy! Crossroad, junction? Want to sample an amazing cycling experience in France? The use of cycle lanes is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer. Set out from Saint-Emilion and embark on a day-long traverse to the Bergerac region. Well, cycling laws in France are the same as for motorists in this respect with similar penalties. Adults accompanying the child can be fined €135, but the fine could vary between €90 and €375 depending on the situation. We’ve found these French road signs to be the most important ones when cycling. It’s the standard one way street sign, but the text underneath is letting you know that, if cycling, you can ignore the one way restriction. Never ride your bike against the traffic flow. Cyclists must not ride without holding the handlebars with at least one hand, must not allow themselves to be towed by another vehicle, and must not carry, tow, or push objects which hamper their cycling or endanger other road users. Cycling rules the road. So treat this as a give way to the right sign! 2. Younger drivers under the age of 18 cannot drive a car in France even if they have a full driving licence from another country. Keep a safe distance of 1 metre from other vehicles. In some other jurisdictions partial rules apply, such as only for children (e.g. For example, you will see below that only children younger than eight are allowed to cycle on the pavement. It is in our trust to maintain and endorse this list. Note 2: Some of these rules are more heavily enforced than others. Lille to Paris bike route. The purpose we think is to create so much confusion that you are forced to cycle and drive with more caution! Cycling in France – Equal priority road sign. After dark, don’t cycle two abreast. Helmets: Mandatory, dude! The law can levy a €11 fine per bike, rising to €33 if not paid in 30 days. Always ride in a single file when in a group and never more than two abreast. “We care about providing a memorable cycling holiday and each year two-thirds of clients return, or arrive on recommendation!”, Copyright © 2021. La Vélodyssée EuroVelo 1 route map . - Hotels, hostels and B&Bs 55 . The big difference when cycling in France is where the blame lies in the event of an accident involving a cyclist. If the passenger is less than 5 years old, this passenger seat should be equipped with foot-rests and straps. Need suggestions for France … Cycling in France is such a varied pursuit that there’s little reason to go anywhere else, especially given the undeniable draw of fresh croissants to power your pedals. At night, if a vehicle wishes to overtake or if the circumstances make it necessary (narrow roads etc), then you should cycle systematically in single file. At night use front and rear lights and in poor visibility wear a high visibility jacket  – €22 – €75 fine if you don’t. For some it is a means of activism; others a means of keeping themselves or others integrated in society.. For us, it is about the glory of suffering.It is about your mind saying shut up to your body, when your body says stop. In urban streets, cyclists must use the marked cycle lanes where these exist. Read more. An enjoyable and ecological way to discover France while cycling : planning your holidays, biking trips or cycling tours and weekends on bicycle paths, greenways and other bicycle routes in France. Since March 2017, the law states that it is […] What are you looking for?All Accommodation Travel Tours .. This Catch 22 situation is almost impossible to mitigate through any official rules, but it’s exciting to watch. Italy and Spain have also banned recreational cycling . Cycling is many things to many people. Employment. Make yourself seen. It is important to be aware of the rules for cycling along various cycle routes and for off road cycling as your safety is important at all times. France does have some signs that are specific to France. In addition to the rules which normally apply to all public highway users and in accordance with the Vienna Convention, cyclists are subject to specific rules defined in their national legislation in order to ensure that they can travel safely and easily: 1. Not understanding the following signs can lead to some pretty hair-raising incidents! Similarly, I rarely see. on your side of the road, means that overtaking is prohibited in your direction. Cyclists must also wear a high-visibility waistcoat if cycling after dark outside urban areas. Cyclers older than 8 years should never ride on the pavement. You might have seen some of the unwritten rules of cycling in action at the Tour de France. Perhaps that explains why cyclists have 10 times more accidents than motorists. Cycling in France – Road sign You do not have priority. Will cycling for exercise be banned? Gue de Ray, Parcay les Pins, 49390, Noyant-Villages, FRANCE. Travel. 3. We’re working hard to be accurate – but these are unusual times, so please always check before heading out. A solid single line means no overtaking in either direction. - Self-guided, Where do you want to look? We’ve summarised the important points for you in this blog post. Where do you want to look?All France /r/nAlsace /r/nAquitaine /r/nAuvergne /r/nBrittany /r/nBurgundy /r/nChampagne-Ardenne /r/nCorsica /r/nFranche-Comté /r/nLanguedoc-Roussillon /r/nLimousin /r/nLoire Valley-Centre /r/nLorraine /r/nMidi-Pyrénées /r/nNord-Pas-de-Calais /r/nNormandy /r/nParis-Île-de-France /r/nPays de la Loire /r/nPicardy /r/nPoitou-Charentes /r/nProvence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur /r/nRhône-Alpes /r/n, © 2011-2021 Freewheeling France | Copyright, Cookies, Privacy and Advertiser T&Cs | Web design by GEL Studios, Everything you need to know about cycling in France, nly children younger than eight are allowed to cycle on the pavement. Priorité à droite As a motorcycle rider you will be used to people pulling out without seeing you but in France they may have seen you but be driving under a very old system known as ‘Priorité à droite’. About acknowledging, as the pros do, that cycling “never gets easier, you just go faster”. Reflectors: red at the back, white at the front, orange on the sides and on the pedals. There is a €90 on-the-spot fine. What are you looking for? Cycle Tours for Solo Travellers in France : No Single Supplement. "France Vélo Tourisme" is the official website to discover France by bike. When cycling around corners, keep to the right as cars will only see you at the last minute. It is only obligatory for children aged under 12 to wear a helmet in France. We unravel France’s second lockdown. Ride a bike that is roadworthy! This official illustration from the Direction de la sécurité et de la circulation routières shows what equipment is obligatory under French road rules (in pink writing) and what is optional (in black). Click on the map to search the regions for bike routes in France, cycling holidays, bike hire and lots of other inspiration for cycling in France. Your bike should have working brakes, correctly inflated tyres with good tread, a bell that can be heard and reflectors front, rear and on the pedals. In 2007, the mayor launched a free bike scheme – Vélib (www.velib.paris.fr). Cycling in Paris. You could fill a library with all the rules in the unwritten book of cycling etiquette. By Thomas Brent. They do not constitute an exhaustive list of all laws and rules governing riding a bicycle in France, and may in time be changed.. To be roadworthy, bicycles must be equipped with a bell, fully functioning brakes, and after dark with reflectors and front and rear lights. The subject of ‘priority’ is one of the most confusing of the cycling laws in France. Rules are written and detailed in French and English. A well-equipped bike in good condition contributes to your safety on the road as well as the safety of other road users. 4. Direction de la sécurité et de la circulation routières (DSCR), French government earmarks €20 million to boost post-lockdown cycling, French-language cycling guidebooks and maps, Cycling the Côte du Rhône vineyards - road book and maps, Tour de France 2019 route: Stage-by-stage guide, Copyright, Cookies, Privacy and Advertiser T&Cs. France bans cycling as it tightens coronavirus measures. If you are cycling in a group, cy… Cycling in France: eight must visit locations France has something for every type of rider - here are the locations to put on your travel wish list Michelle Arthurs-Brennan May 10, 2018 1:20 pm Want to do it independently. Cycling in France – One way road sign, except for bikes! Your bike should have working brakes, correctly inflated tyres with good tread, a bell that can be heard and reflectors front, rear and on the pedals. If you do not respect these rules, you may be liable for a €135 fine. Don’t cycle too close to the sides of the road, to avoid ruts and gravel. These are the main cycling rules in France and we’ll keep updating this post as new rules come into force – enjoy your cycling! The minimum driving age in France is 18. Oct 11, 2012 - A guide to cycling in France; the opportunities, the main long-distance cycle routes, and the highway code for cyclists. 2. In zones where the speed is limited to 30 and in pedestrian-priority zones, bikes can cycle in both directions. Share Tweet. -       In the case of rain, increase your safety distance and be careful when vehicles overtake you. If you cannot work from home, staggered work patterns must be encouraged, to reduce the numbers of people both in the workplace and in public transport. The cycling rules in France are straightforward so enjoy and stay safe! Helmets are not compulsory for adults when cycling in France, but are compulsory for children under 12 years of age. Before starting your bike trip through France, prepare by finding the best cycle routes through France with the help of the Bikemap bike route planner, as France offers a sheer unlimited variety of cycling routes. Here is a full translation of the official 'code de la route' guidance for cyclists. The irony is, the more the teams muscle each other away, the greater the risk of crashes in the peloton. However, in reality, you will often see parents with older kids on pavements near busy roads. As a car driver I always get the impression that cyclists think the rules of the road don't apply to them, including red traffic lights. The official government guidance recommends a helmet for adults but this is not a legal requirement. A yellow or white light on the front of your bike and a red light at the back. Prepare yourself for some of France’s best cycling, where the riding is as smooth as a Château Mouton Rothschild. - Self-catering President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that from midnight Thursday France will head into a second national lockdown in order to stem the flow of coronavirus. However, in reality, you will often see parents with older kids on pavements near busy roads. If your group is larger than 10 people, you should split into smaller groups. Loire Life Cycling is a trading name of AJR Entreprises SARL - Registered in France SIREN 834 826 521. They must keep to the right o… Then check out our great Loire Valley Cycling Holidays ! by Alex Bowden. Advertising. At Drive-France we have a sister website called "EuropeanBreakdownCover 4U" who offer cover for cars, motorcycles and even commercial vehicles. Well sort of – it actually means that at the next junction, (officially) everybody has equal priority – but that doesn’t reflect the reality,  In France, if it’s all a little confusing then you always give way to the right – ‘priorite a droit’. The coronavirus pandemic and cycling in France - the latest guidance and local advice. All cycle routes in France ! France has a deserved reputation for welcoming cyclists. France has effectively banned recreational cycling as part of its coronavirus lockdown. Any violation or infringement can receive a fine. Phone: 00 33 6 25 81 98 51Mobile: 00 33 7 83 60 23 07Email: info@loirelifecycling.com. The biggest fines concern the wearing of helmets. DO YOU NEED TO WEAR A HELMET WHILE CYCLING IN FRANCE? All Tours So, this sign means you no longer have priority on the road – and sometimes when you are cycling along you would wonder, well why would that be?? France currently has no laws on wearing a helmet, however, it is advisable to wear one to stay safe. British Columbia in Canada), or under other limited conditions. You may overtake only when there’s a single broken line in the middle of the road or double lines with a broken line on your side of the road. By AFP Relaxnews. 29 October 2020. If you’re bringing your bike to France and don’t want to get caught out with a big toll on the Autoroute then check this post out – could save you some money! France will re-enter lockdown on Friday and it will remain in place until at least December 1, 2020. road riders or club cyclists with lights, bells or reflectors on racing bikes as per the official rules. Because French is the universal language in cycling (Lance Armstrong, for example, is fluent), French interpretation of rules prevails in instances in which a language barrier may cloud a definition. 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