Cycling safely

In summer, the weather lends itself to bike rides. Before leaving, it is advisable to take stock of its equipment for obvious reasons of safety.

To ride safely, the cyclist must have a bike in good condition, well equipped to be visible in town and out of town, day and night.

In terms of lighting, the bicycle must include reflectors (reflective devices): red at the rear, oranges at the pedals and for both wheels, which must be visible laterally. At night, or when the visibility is too low, a bicycle must also have a red taillight, as well as white or yellow light.

To allow the cyclist to signal his presence, the bicycle must also be equipped with a sound signaling system (timbre, alarm, bell) audible at a distance of at least 50 meters, as well as brakes on each of the two wheels. The absence of one of these mandatory equipment constitutes a first-class ticket liable to a fixed fine of 11 euros, plus 33 euros if it is paid beyond 30 days.

To travel out of town at night, or during the day when visibility is insufficient, all drivers and passengers of a bicycle must wear a certified retro-reflective vest. Failure to comply with this obligation is punishable by a fine ranging from 22 euros to 75 euros.

For the youngest children, since March 2017, helmets are compulsory on bicycles for children under 12, even if they are only "passengers". Failing this, adults carrying them or accompanying them incur a fixed fine of 135 euros.