Because we would like the Highway Code to be like the UNO rules, that there would be a way to average things out…
Driving in the city, whatever your means of transport, often means taking the highway of bad faith or the cycle path of “not seen, not taken”. The arm often lifts…and sometimes it’s just a finger. The insults are raining down. In short: we are experiencing a moment of intense, exceptional conviviality. And until proven otherwise (the law perhaps?), we are always right, except when we are wrong. Faced with common situations encountered in the city (refusal of priority, “horn symphony in D minor”, annexation of the SAS bicycle, etc.), who is in the right, and who is wrong?
We are sifting through the frequent points of discord between bicycles, two-wheelers and cars, to move towards utopia: shared and courteous use of the road. In good faith.
1. The cycle path is like antibiotics: not automatic
This is undoubtedly a subject that greatly annoys cyclists and motorists, especially when there is only one lane and no way of overtaking. So we'll repeat it: taking the cycle path is not always obligatory.
Regarding the use of the cycle path, there is a sign which comes in two versions:
- the SQUARE sign indicates the presence of a recommended, but not obligatory, cycle pathand that bicycles can thus circulate on the road, among the cars.
- the ROUND sign indicates that the cycle path is obligatory for bicycles.
Now you want to know why cyclists don't always take the recommended cycle paths? The cycle path is not always passable: presence of sidewalks, potholes, road full of broken glass, works, presence of objects… or cars and other delivery trucks parked on them. Think about it.
2. The SAS Vélo is not a car parking lot
Cyclists, don't say anything.
Also known by the nicknames “lawless zone” or Mordor, the SAS Vélo designates a space designed to improve the visibility of Hobbits cyclists and allow them to start in complete safety, or almost. The bicycle SAS is located before the traffic light; a marking on the ground demarcates the area. In practice, no one blithely cares.
Cyclists are considered pedestrians when they operate their bicycles by hand (response from the National Assembly published in the official journal to question No. 24133).
Motorized vehicles, including two-wheelers, must stop before the bike lock. While it is common to jostle with scooter drivers, this practice is prohibited.
Non-compliance with the SAS bicycle is common. In the event of non-compliance, it is expensive: €135 and – 4 points on your license.
3. You can cycle in all bus lanes: a common misconception
Not all bus lanes are open to cyclists.
Bus lanes authorized for bicycles are indicated by a sign located under the sign; there may also be marking on the ground. In practice, there are more bus lanes open to bicycles than the other way around, but this is therefore not always the case.
Not all bike-accessible bus lanes are created equal. Some have been designed to facilitate overtaking within the lane and respect the distance of 1 meter; they are wider (4.5 m). Others are narrower, and therefore more dangerous.
Corridors where buses travel in the opposite direction to conventional traffic are prohibited for bicycles, with some exceptions. L'article R 412-7 of the Highway Code stipulates the rules concerning traffic on the bus lane. The opening of bus lanes to bicycles, partial or on certain portions only, can also be defined by prefectural decree. Find out.
In practice, cyclists are most often tolerated in bus lanes; cohabitation, however, remains a source of tension, even accidents.
4. Flashing lights at the front… dead at the corner!
In France, the use of flashing lights bike is reserved for the rear, but not the front ! The light must be fixed and slightly inclined so as not to dazzle other users (NDJulien Cadot: Parisian cyclists, reread this paragraph 10 times).
5. Speedbike, cycle paths are like those of the Lord: impenetrable
In 2024, cycle paths are still prohibited for Speedbikes, these electric bicycles whose regulations are not the same as VAEs (electrically assisted bicycles). We see you with your Speedbikes whose plates you removed or which you imported illegally.
6. Honking at cyclists: good practice and good manners
Some motorists think it is a good idea to warn cyclists by sounding their horn. The reasons are diverse and varied: warning that they are going to overtake, signaling that the cyclist is driving too far in the middle of the road or is not maintaining his trajectory, saluting the plume of his electric steed, etc.
Even if well intentioned, this practice must stop. Dangerous, it is more likely to destabilize and surprise the cyclist. She is also abusive. As a reminder, here is what the Highway Code says about the use of horns in town: “ in built-up areas, the use of the sound horn is only authorized in the event of immediate danger » (Article R416-1).
So calm down with the horn. Otherwise the symphony will cost you €35. The fine may be increased (up to €150).
7. Priority: it depends, it goes beyond
We are going to touch on a subject as sensitive as this story of pain au chocolat/chocolatine.
Based on data from the Paris Police Prefecture, in 2022, here are the 4 main cycling offenses: wearing headphones, red lights not respected, signs not respected and poor control of the bike.
- The pedestrian always has priority. So even if, on a bike, you can go through the traffic lights because a sign authorizes you to do so, you must always stop if a pedestrian appears. Yelling at the pedestrian whose right of way you have denied because he dares to protest adds indecency to illegality.
- Cyclists are subject to the same rules as other road users. The priority rules of the Highway Code therefore apply to cyclists. As Ludovic Duprey comments in The Cyclist's Code 2nd edition“ The mere fact of traveling on a cycle path does not give priority over vehicles traveling in the lane it runs alongside. » It all depends on the location of the cycle path, the type of intersection and the priority rules that apply. If there is no signage (or prefectural order), the classic priority rules of “priority on the right” apply. THE articles R415-1 to R415-15 (chapter V, Intersections and right of way) detail the priority rules such as “ I. – Any driver preparing to leave a road on his right must keep to the right edge of the road (…) He must give way to motorized personal transport vehicles, cycles and mopeds traveling in both directions on the tracks cyclists who cross the roadway on which they are going to engager”. By car when you turn right, pause, check your right and your blind spot before starting.
A short guide to the rights and duties of cyclists
The Cyclist Code 2ᵉ edition compiles all the sections of the different codes applicable to cyclists. The book is in mini format and fits in your pocket. It is one of the sources used for writing the article.
To brandish like a shield when someone honks at you because you zavéka used the pissyclabe.
8. Headphones and telephones are still prohibited on bikes in 2024
A trip to the city is not a trip to the city if you don't come across cyclists recording a vocal on a Vélib' or music-loving commuters, noise-canceling headphones screwed to their ears listening to their Morning Motivation playlist from Spotify. Gold, it is unspoken, but also, Above all, particularly dangerous. The amount of the fixed fine is €135, almost the price of new AirPods.
What the law says ?
“ The use of a telephone held in the hand by the driver of a vehicle in circulation is prohibited. It is also prohibited for the driver of a vehicle in circulation to wear in the ear any device capable of emitting sound, with the exception of electronic deafness correcting devices. “, Highway Code, Article R412-6-1
So reserve your playlists and podcasts for your hometrainer sessions.
9. Cycling sidewalks: “you shall not pass”
Riding a bicycle on the sidewalk is prohibited in the city. Only children under 8 years old can use the sidewalks. However, they must travel at a walking pace and not disturb pedestrians (Highway Code, Article R412-34 And Article R. 412-7). The fine for driving on the sidewalk is €135.
So no point ringing or ringing your bell if the pedestrians don't want to push each other: you have no business being here in the first place and they're nice to tolerate you.
10. Reminder of road signs that concern cyclists
Bonus: learn the meaning of these signs so you can always be right on the road.
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