We unravel France’s second lockdown. President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that from midnight Thursday France will head into a second national lockdown in order to stem the flow of coronavirus. La Vélodyssée EuroVelo 1 route map . Perhaps that explains why cyclists have 10 times more accidents than motorists. If the passenger is less than 5 years old, this passenger seat should be equipped with foot-rests and straps. 3. A well-equipped bike in good condition contributes to your safety on the road as well as the safety of other road users. Ride a bike that is roadworthy! If you are cycling in a group, cy… If there is a cycle path then use it and don’t cycle on the pavement, unless it is specifically marked for bikes. The law can levy a €11 fine per bike, rising to €33 if not paid in 30 days. Ride a bike that is roadworthy! After dark, don’t cycle two abreast. In so being, we also maintain the sacred text wherein lie the simple truths of cycling etiquette known as The Rules. Any violation or infringement can receive a fine. 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. We’ve summarised the important points for you in this blog post. Travel. The 'code de la route' includes a section on cycling and the responsibilities of cyclists using French roads. You could fill a library with all the rules in the unwritten book of cycling etiquette. (And in fact I don't have any of these on my bike and have never had any problems). Don’t cycle too close to the sides of the road, to avoid ruts and gravel. No overtaking may also be … This Catch 22 situation is almost impossible to mitigate through any official rules, but it’s exciting to watch. 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. You’ll see this in many towns. Cycle on the right-hand side of the road, 1 metre from the pavement and from parked cars. But before hitting the tarmac, first you need to know the rules of the road. Cycling in France – Road sign You do not have priority. 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. Well, cycling laws in France are the same as for motorists in this respect with similar penalties. A solid single line means no overtaking in either direction. Cyclists, the same as drivers, must adhere to the highway code which guarantees the safety of oneself and all road users. -       In the case of rain, increase your safety distance and be careful when vehicles overtake you. In pedestrian-priority zones, don’t cycle faster than 20km/h and respect the pedestrian’s priority. Be bold and maintain your cycling line in the road if it would be dangerous for a car to overtake you. Don’t cycle too close to the sides of the road, to avoid ruts and gravel. By AFP Relaxnews. In zones where the speed is limited to 30 and in pedestrian-priority zones, bikes can cycle in both directions. We rode from Lille Eurostar to Paris via the Somme on this six-day cycling itinerary. All cyclists (and passengers) on the road at night or in poor visibility, outside of built-up areas must wear a reflective vest. The rules state that you should stay local and that you should only take exercise once per day. Want to sample an amazing cycling experience in France? Reflectors: red at the back, white at the front, orange on the sides and on the pedals. The big difference when cycling in France is where the blame lies in the event of an accident involving a cyclist. All cycle routes in France ! NOTE: It is illegal to ride a bike or drive a car while using headphones/earphones. on your side of the road, means that overtaking is prohibited in your direction. road riders or club cyclists with lights, bells or reflectors on racing bikes as per the official rules. Helmets are not compulsory for adults when cycling in France, but are compulsory for children under 12 years of age. All Tours The coronavirus pandemic and cycling in France - the latest guidance and local advice. The wearing of cyclists’ crash helmets is not compulsory in France, but is strongly advised. White lines mark the separation of traffic lanes. If your group is larger than 10 people, you should split into smaller groups. 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. Many thanks to Helen at the Alpine French School, which has courses combining cycling and French, for helping out with the translation. If you are cycling in a group, cycle 2 abreast or in single file. France does have some signs that are specific to France. Cycling in Paris. France currently has no laws on wearing a helmet, however, it is advisable to wear one to stay safe. France. Cycling in France – Equal priority road sign. 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. The law can levy a €11 fine per bike, rising to €33 if not paid in 30 days. Loire Life Cycling Holidays is run by Alison & Jon, originally from the UK who moved to France to seek adventure! -       The highway code applies to cyclists as it applies to all road users. Helmets: Mandatory, dude! 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. Don’t miss our great Loire Valley Cycling Tours – single centre cycle tours for those who are searching for something different! Italy and Spain have also banned recreational cycling . - Hotels, hostels and B&Bs Set out from Saint-Emilion and embark on a day-long traverse to the Bergerac region. Fri, Mar 20, 2020 12:53 . It's illegal to use a mobile phone while cycling. The minimum driving age in France is 18. 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. France will re-enter lockdown on Friday and it will remain in place until at least December 1, 2020. 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. 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. 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’. It is only obligatory for children aged under 12 to wear a helmet in France. 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. Never ride your bike against the traffic flow. ***************************************************************************************************. We’re often asked by our cycling holiday guests about drinking laws and bikes. 55 . 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. 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. Cycling in Paris. 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. Crossroad, junction? Cyclists must also wear a high-visibility waistcoat if cycling after dark outside urban areas. 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. Keep a safe distance of 1 metre from other vehicles. 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. Cycling Rules in France. "France Vélo Tourisme" is the official website to discover France by bike. Gue de Ray, Parcay les Pins, 49390, Noyant-Villages, FRANCE. 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! Cycle Tours for Solo Travellers in France : No Single Supplement. Single Supplement as it applies to cyclists as it applies to all road users overtaking is prohibited your... Similar penalties t miss our great Loire Valley cycling Tours – single centre cycle Tours Solo! 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