General Rule:
Cycle lanes/paths are mandatory where available. Otherwise, ride on the right side of the road. Sidewalks are prohibited for adults.
In Towns & Cities:
Use cycle lanes where they exist.
In pedestrian zones, ride at walking pace.
In "zone 30" or "meeting area" zones, you can ride both ways and must give priority to pedestrians.
On the Road (Safety):
Ride in single file or pairs, but move to single file if needed for safety.
Do not wear headphones or use a hand-held phone.
Ride defensively: avoid road edges, be careful near large vehicles, and signal your intentions.
Parking:
Use designated bicycle parking areas.
Safety Equipment:
A helmet is mandatory for children under 12 (both riders and passengers).
Helmets are strongly recommended for everyone else.
Legal Restrictions:
Do not cycle under the influence of alcohol (legal limit: 0.2 mg/l in breath).
Children under 8 may cycle on sidewalks at a careful speed.
Enjoy your ride! France is a fantastic country for cyclists—stay safe and have fun.
- Lighting fault: 11 €
- Change of direction without prior warning: 35 €
- Drive more than 2 abreast on the road: 35 €
- Have a passenger on their bike (without a seat attached to the vehicle): € 35
- Towing: 35 €
- Exceeding the maximum authorized speed *: 35 €
- Non-compliance with the stop at an amber light: 35 €
- Braking fault: 68 €
- Driving on the sidewalk in built-up areas: 135 €
- Hold your phone or wear headphones: 135 €
- Driving in the forbidden direction 135 € Failure to respect the stop at a red light: 135 €
- Non-compliance with a stop at a stop sign: 135 €
- Go up the lines on the right: 135 €
- Circulation under the influence of alcohol (between 0.2 and 0.4 mg / l of exhaled air): 135 €
- Unsuitable speed given the circumstances *: 135 €
- Overrun without prior warning: 135 €
- Non-respect of the right of way for pedestrians: 135 €
* The difference between exceeding the speed (35 €) and unsuitable speed in view of the circumstances (135 €) is that in the second case, the cyclist can respect the speed limit but intentionally ignore a risk: crossing of pedestrians, bends, etc
