Well-equipped for safe journeys
Like motorists, cyclists must obey the rules of safety on the road. Update on mandatory equipment and the risks incurred in the event of non-compliance.
Have you decided to start or return to the bicycle to make your daily trips? Before hitting the road, a few precautions and a little equipment are in order. Check the list of mandatory equipment under penalty of a fixed fine, but don't stop there. For your safety and that of all, other equipment is recommended.
Compulsory cycling equipment:
Two working brakes, front, and rear. Before leaving, also check the condition of your brakes and your bell for a safe journey.
An audible warning device to warn other users of any danger. The sound should be heard at least 50m away.
Lighting, including reflectors (reflecting devices) and position lights.
As a reminder, the color must be red for the rear of the bike, white or yellow at the front, and orange on the sides and the pedals. Make sure they are in working order. In the same logic, the position lights work in pairs: one red on the back of the bike, the other yellow or white on the front.
Note: if you install a trailer on your bike that is more than 1.30m wide, the lighting must also be present on it.
A helmet, for any driver or passenger under 12 years old. On the other hand, it remains highly recommended for any other cyclist.
A retro-reflective vest for the cyclist and his passenger if they are traveling at night, outside built-up areas, or if visibility is insufficient.
A child seat if one of the passengers is under 5 years old.
Recommended equipment for your safety:
A helmet, to reduce the severity of head injuries in the event of an accident.
A danger spreader (orange rod attached to the luggage rack of the bicycle) to encourage motorists to move away if proximity becomes too critical.
Mirrors, to widen the field of vision
Any reflective device or light-colored clothing to be seen in any weather.
Do not use headphones or earphones. Cutting off traffic noise, increase the risk of accidents and is therefore prohibited.
What penalties for infringement?
Although the cyclist does not risk having a point withdrawn from his B license in the event of a bicycle violation, he may however be penalized by a fine. Here are some examples:
Driving without a vest or high visibility is subject to a fine of 35 €.
Non-compliant equipment (example: bad condition of the brakes or lights) results in a fine of 68 €
Failure to wear a helmet for the compulsory age group amounts to a fine of 135 €
Cycling by phone or with headphones is also punishable by a fixed fine of € 135.
Driving while intoxicated is an offense that can lead you to court. Depending on your blood alcohol level, the judge may take away your right to drive a motor vehicle for 5 years or more.
Other penalties may apply in the event of non-compliance with the highway code.
Cycling, think about it
For your safety, prepare your itinerary before leaving
Indicate your changes of direction by extending your arm
Prefer the single file (compulsory at night and when traffic requires). And never more than two side by side.
Do not stay in the blind spots of buses and heavy goods vehicles, which are larger than those of cars. And watch out for air calls.
When cornering, keep to the right as far as possible, the cars only seeing the bikes at the last moment.
