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Use of cycle paths for sport cyclists in France: regulations, obligations and sanctions
With the rise of competitive cycling in France, whether for training, commuting, or competitions, the use of cycle paths raises many questions. Are they mandatory? What rules apply? What risks do cyclists and motorists face if they fail to comply? Let's explore the regulations in force, the obligations of competitive cyclists, and the potential penalties.
By Guillaume Judas – Photos: depositphotos.com
Regulation of cycle paths in France
In France, the Code of route defines a cycle path as a roadway exclusively reserved for two- or three-wheeled cycles and motorized personal transport devices (MPDs) for users over 8 years old (article R110-2). These tracks must be physically separated from the main roadway by a central reservation, a curb or a low wall, unlike cycle lanes, which are simply demarcated by markings on the roadway.
Are cycle paths mandatory?
Since decree no. 98-828 of September 14, 1998, cycle paths are not systematically obligatory for cyclists in FranceThey are generally recommended, except in specific cases where their use is imposed by the competent authority (town hall or prefect) via specific signage.
Mandatory sign: a round blue sign with a white bicycle (B22a) indicates that the use of the cycle path is mandatory. This sign can be supplemented by a sign authorizing, for example, mopeds or electric scooters.
Recommendation sign: a blue square sign with a white bicycle (C113) indicates that the track is recommended but not mandatory.
What percenttagAre cycle paths mandatory?
There are no precise national statistics indicating the percentagetagThe exact number of mandatory cycle paths in France is not known, as this depends on local decisions taken by the relevant authorities. However, Mandatory tracks are rare and usually limited to specific areas, like the routes with heavy traffic (speed above 50 km/h) or dangerous areas (for example, near roundabouts or complex intersections). The majority of cycle paths, particularly in urban areas, are marked with square signs (C113), and are therefore not compulsory.It can be informally estimated that less than 10% of cycle paths in France are compulsory, but this figure varies depending on the region and local infrastructure.
Why do sport cyclists sometimes avoid cycle paths?
Sport cyclists, often equipped with racing bikes and riding at high speeds (sometimes over 30 km/h), may prefer the road for several reasons:
- Track condition : degraded surface, gravel, or obstacles (garbage cans, pedestrians, illegal parking) making the track impassable.
- Speed and fluidity : cycle paths, often frequented by slower cyclists or EDPMs, can hinder sporty cyclists who seek to maintain a sustained pace.
- Safety : certain poorly designed or poorly maintained paths present risks (lowering of sidewalks, exits from construction sites, refusal of priority).
In such cases, Sport cyclists are allowed to ride on the roadway, unless a round sign B22a requires the use of the track.
Rules to follow on cycle paths
When a cyclist uses a cycle path, whether it is compulsory or not, he must respect several rules of the Code of route :
- Mandatory equipment : The bicycle must be equipped with working brakes, a horn, and front and rear lights for night riding. Wearing a helmet is mandatory for children under 12 years old and strongly recommended for everyone else.
- Respect for signage : cyclists must comply with traffic lights, priority signs, and road markings (for example, direction of travel indicated).
- Yield Here To Peds : on cycle paths, pedestrians may be allowed to circulate in the absence of a sidewalk, but cyclists have priority, except in meeting areas or pedestrian areas where they must travel at walking pace (6 km/h).
- Direction of traffic : Cyclists must follow the direction indicated on one-way paths. Riding against the flow of traffic is prohibited and dangerous. On two-way paths, which are specifically marked, two-way traffic is permitted.
Speed limits for cyclists
The Code of the route does not set a specific speed limit for cyclists on cycle paths, unlike EDPMs (e.g. electric scooters), which are limited to 25 km/h. However, cyclists must adapt their speed to traffic conditions and general signage:
- In the city : 50 km/h maximum, except in zones 30 (30 km/h) or meeting zones (20 km/h).
- Greenways : no explicit limitation, but cyclists must adjust their speed so as not to hinder pedestrians or other users.
For sport cyclists, it is therefore crucial to moderate their speed on the tracks bytagor in areas with high user density to avoid collisions.
Penalties for cyclists
a) If the cycle path is compulsory
If a cyclist does not use a cycle path marked with a round B22a sign, he is liable to a 2nd class fine (article R431-9 of the Code of route), or a fixed fine of €35This penalty remains relatively light, but it can be applied if the authorities note the violation.
b) If the cycle path is not compulsory
If the track is simply recommended (square panel C113), the cyclist is free to ride on the road without risk of sanction, because he is considered a legitimate user of the public highway. However, it must respect the general rules of the Code of route, such as staying right, signaling when changing direction, and respecting priorities.
Risks for motorists
Drivers who behave dangerously towards cyclists, whether on a cycle path or on the road, are liable to severe penalties.. Here are the main offenses and their consequences:
- Hit a cyclist : in the event of a voluntary or negligent collision, the motorist may be prosecuted for unintentional injury (if the cyclist is injured) or manslaughter (if the cyclist dies), with penalties that may include up to 7 years in prison and a €100 fine in the event of aggravation (for example, drunk driving) (articles 221-6 and 222-19 of the Criminal Code). Even without injury, an intentional collision can be classified as willful violence, punishable by criminal sanctions.
- Threatening a cyclist : any verbal or physical threat (for example, intimidating a cyclist into using a non-mandatory path) may be considered a threat of violence (article 222-17 of the Penal Code), punishable bya fine of up to €7 and imprisonment in the event of serious threat.
- Dangerous overtaking : the Code of the route imposes a minimum distance of 1 m in town and 1,5 m outside built-up areas when overtaking a cyclist (article R412-19). Overtaking too close or at excessive speed is a class 4 offense, punishable by a fine of €135 and the possible loss of 3 points on your driving license.In the event of deliberate endangerment, the driver risks a license suspension and prosecution for endangering others (article 223-1 of the Penal Code), with a penalty of up to 1 year in prison and a fine of €15.
- Parking or riding on a cycle path : motorists who park or ride on a cycle path commit a class 4 offence, punishable by a fine of 135 € (reduced to €90 if paid promptly) and, in the case of obstructive parking, a deduction of 3 points from the license.
Tips for harmonious cohabitation
For sporty cyclists:
- Check the signage to find out if the track is mandatory.
- Adapt your speed on the slopes bytagées, especially in the presence of pedestrians or other cyclists.
- Signal your intentions (changes of direction, overtaking) to avoid accidents.
For motorists:
- Respect safety distances when overtaking.
- Be patient with cyclists on the road, because they have the right to circulate there.
- Avoid aggressive behavior, which can have serious legal consequences.
In France, cycle paths offer a safe alternative for cyclists, but they are only mandatory in rare cases., indicated by a round B22a sign. Sporty cyclists, often looking for speed and fluidity, may prefer the roadway for practical or safety reasons, which is their right unless otherwise provided. Penalties for failure to respect a mandatory lane remain moderate (€35), but motorists who threaten, hit, or dangerously overtake a cyclist are liable to fines, penalty points, or even prison sentences.
Better knowledge of the rules and mutual respect between cyclists and motorists are essential to ensure peaceful coexistence on the route.
sources:
Code of route, items R110-2, R431-9, R412-19, R415-3, R415-4
Road safety : www.securite-routiere.gouv.fr
Lepermislibre: www.lepermislibre.fr
Lesbicyclists: www.lesbicycleurs.com
Drivecase: www.drivecase.fr
Franceinfo: www.franceinfo.fr
LikeABike: www.commeunvelo.com
Hello Guillaume,
Thank you for your article on cycle paths. I am saddened by your article about sport cyclists who avoid cycle paths or cycle lanes or extra widths.
These same cyclists, without realizing it, irritate some motorists who are on edge. These same drivers don't understand that they are not using these lanes dedicated to two-wheelers by obstructing them.
These athletes generally do not mark the work lights, at certain traffic lights in built-up areas. They sprint 4 or 5 abreast, without worrying about the vehicles behind them, even though it is forbidden for more than two. On descents from more or less steep passes, with a center line or a narrow road, they cut corners encroaching on the part of the lane on the opposite side of their direction of travel. To maintain a sustained pace, you have to adapt your route to set a personal record, Strava allows this possibility unless I am mistaken.
In the case of non-compulsory cycling, what is the point of these cycle paths for those who refuse? You mention that less than 10% of them in France are compulsory, which revolts me. By making them compulsory, the number of deaths and injuries would certainly decrease.
In the event of an accident, which you don't mention, there is an important, even crucial, parameter: the verdict of the expert or an experienced insurer. Terms like "recommended" and "desired" mean "mandatory" to determine the cause of the accident.
I am a member of two different clubs, one of which has been for 2 years. I practice cycling. route I have been competing recreationally for 48 years, and have retired. I clock up between 10 and 000 km a year. I believe I have some experience in this area.
Hello,
You seem to be mixing up a lot of things, including several grievances you have against sport cyclists, which have nothing to do with whether or not cycle paths should be mandatory.
Concerning the latter, they are most of the time not at all suitable for sporting activities, that is to say at a speed higher than 20 or 25 km/h. Many of these tracks have not been maintained for years, with holes, gravel, narrowings, grass overflowing from the verges. Many motorists do not respect them, by parking on them too. So no, Strava does not allow you to choose routes that are always perfectly suited to sporting activities when you live in a city or in an area with high population or traffic density. Making all tracks mandatory would not cause fewer accidents, on the contrary. It has been shown that the more cyclists there are on the route, the more careful drivers are. Mandating the use of cycle lanes would give reckless drivers an excuse to cut down cyclists on the routes where there are no tracks. We've seen this before: "you have no business on this route, take a track”, even though the nearest track is dirt…
The cycle paths are for walkers, children, pedestrians, scooters, and are certainly not suitable for a cyclist who rides at 30 km/h, a speed limit that is now in many municipalities.
As for your insurance example, sorry, it doesn't work. A non-obligation means what it means. Just as it is not obligatory for a motorist to take a reserved lane (expressway or carroute), a cyclist is not obliged according to the code of the route to take a non-mandatory lane. However, in the event of an accident, if the motorist has overtaken the cyclist too closely, regardless of the circumstances, he is responsible.