Cycling & Safety

Take care all along the cycle route, making sure you respect the French Highway Code, which all cyclists must observe. You may be fined if you’re caught breaking the highway code. You can consult the French government website pages dedicated to road safety and cycling safely.

Good practices to adopt on a cycling trip: 

• Take care when cycling along any road shared with motorized traffic 
• Take particular care at intersections and on bridges 
• Always be aware of what’s around you 
• Keep well to the right and do not cycle several abreast along the cycle route 
• On greenways, remember that pedestrians have right of way 
• In dim light at daybreak or the end of the day, make sure you can be seen easily, with good lights and bright clothes

Safety equipment: 

• Wearing a helmet is compulsory for children under 12 (since March 2017). Even if wearing a helmet isn’t compulsory for adults, it’s still strongly recommended that you wear one. Helmets should carry safety certification and be properly attached. 
• Riding with young children, make use of a trailer or of an adapted seat.
• Have a working bell to signal your presence to pedestrians or other cyclists when necessary.

Responsibilities: 

When cycling in France, you will be held responsible for accidents that happen to you or to a third party due to behaviour on your part that does not conform to the French Highway Code. It is therefore crucial that you take out suitable insurance for your cycling outings or longer cycling trips.