Cyclists invade the cycle paths of large cities … But there are some rules to follow to ride safely and with serenity!
Whether you are an everyday cyclist or a Sunday cyclist, there are rules to follow to circulate safely! Compulsory or optional equipment, traffic rules, penalties, maintenance of your mount. Many financial aids are now available for the purchase or maintenance of your bicycle. But let’s go back in detail to the traffic rules and the equipment you must have to drive safely! Certain breaches are punishable by fines ranging from € 11 to € 90. Do not take his advice lightly, it is for your safety and that of others!
Mandatory equipment:
Before getting on your bike, you will have to go around the cycle to be sure that it guarantees you to ride safely.
Two front and rear brakes
An audible warning device that can be heard at least 50 m away
A yellow or white front light and a red rear light to be used at night, of course, but also during the day when visibility is insufficient.
Red reflectors at the rear and white at the front. You need a white reflector in front and a red one behind.
The reflective vest to the standards in force for the driver and his passenger. The waistcoat must be worn at night and outside built-up areas, but it is advisable to wear it as much as possible even in broad daylight!
The use of helmets for children under 12 years, drivers or passengers, is mandatory.
If you are transporting children under the age of 5, they must be seated in an approved seat attached to the bicycle. The seat must have footrests and postural belts. And of course, the child must wear an approved helmet.
Recommended equipment
Wearing a helmet in all circumstances.
A danger spreader, which is installed on the frame of the bike, at the rear and keeps motorists at a distance in case of overtaking.
Mirrors, because the danger often comes from behind!
Wear light-colored clothing and a reflective vest at any time of the day.
Some practical advice:
Monitor the condition of the tires weekly if you use them daily.
Do not wear a scarf or lose clothing, or heavy bags on the sides.
Use trouser clips or rubber bands to avoid getting caught in the spokes of the bike.
The traffic rules are as follows:
Cyclists, like all other users, must obey the Highway Code and ride safely.
When changing direction, extend your arm in the direction you want to go and don’t shift to the left at the last moment. When you stop, raise your arm!
Never wear headphones, earphones, or headphones, it is dangerous and reprehensible. Just like calling while pedaling.
Do not drive while intoxicated.
Riding in town
When they exist, take the cycle paths. If two cycle paths are available on either side of the road, choose the one to the right of the road. Drive in the same direction as the vehicles. You must respect traffic lights and signs. If there is no bike path, common sense dictates that you are riding on the right! In the absence of paths reserved for cyclists, you must drive on the right and not on the sidewalks.
Only children under 8 years old are allowed to use them, keeping a reasonable speed. It will also be necessary to park your bike in dedicated places preferably. In pedestrian areas, traffic is authorized on the condition of not sprinting between pedestrians!
Driving outside the built-up area
Outside built-up areas, the reflective vest is highly recommended. It is better not to drive too close to the shoulders which are sometimes not stabilized. You have to be wary of the draft caused by the trucks which could destabilize you. Also, remember to keep to the right so as not to surprise motorists on narrow lanes. Finally, when you are riding in a group of fewer than 10 people, you will have to travel in a single file. If there are more than ten of you doing the walk, you will have to split the group in two!