Like motorists,
cyclists are required to follow the rules of the road. Road traffic rules: the
rights and duties of the cyclist - Gradually, new measures encourage the French
to choose the bicycle as an alternative to public transport and the automobile.
However, before taking the handlebars, the knowledge of some basic safety rules
is required.
To travel, a
bicycle must be equipped with a bell, front and rear brakes, front and rear
lights, reflectors (red on the back, white on the front, orange on the sides
and on the pedals). Wearing a certified retro-reflective vest is also
mandatory for all cyclists traveling outside the city, at night or in the event
of insufficient visibility. Passenger transport is prohibited unless the
bicycle is equipped with a specially designed seat and is equipped with
footrests and tether strap when the passenger is under 5 years of age. The use
of the mobile phone and any audio device such as earphones, headsets or
headsets, is prohibited and liable to a fixed fine of € 135. Finally, with
regard to the crossing of traffic lights, the cyclist is authorized not to mark
a stop when he respects the priority given to other road users and that a
specific sign is provided for this purpose at the crossroads.
Regulations for
cyclists
Decree No.
2015-808 of 2 July 2015, on the action plan for active mobility and parking,
introduced new provisions for bicycles and pedestrians in the Highway Code. For
the government, the theoretical objective is to "secure and promote the
pedestrian and cyclist journey.” In practice, the text aggravates the penalties
for parking or stopping vehicles on pedestrian and bicycle paths and less than
5 meters upstream. The decree also allows cyclists to move away from parked
vehicles on the right side of the road, on lanes where the speed is limited to
50 km / h. At the same time, it allows motorists to ride a continuous line to
overtake a cyclist if visibility is sufficient.
Another novelty is
that cyclists can now ride on paved shoulders, a measure that until now only
applied outside built-up areas. As of January 1, 2016, two new provisions of
the decree are implemented. The first relates to the dual cycle direction,
which will thus be extended to pedestrian areas and to all the tracks where the
maximum authorized speed is less than or equal to 30 km / h, unless otherwise
decided by the authority empowered by the police. The second is to prohibit
mopeds from positioning themselves in the bunkers for red lights (that is to
say in front of cars), unless otherwise decided by the authority empowered by
the police in safety vest.
When a cyclist
commits a violation of the Highway Code (crossing a continuous line, passing
dangerous ...), he risks a fine whose amount varies according to the offense.
However, and it is important to remember, any offense committed with a bicycle cannot
be penalized with a withdrawal of points on the driver's license. If this is
the case, it is recommended to appeal to the Ministry of the Interior for
restitution of points.
