Biking in France is an easy and eco-friendly way to commute. Many French cities are actively promoting cycling by expanding bike lanes and offering incentives like reimbursements for biking to work.
But before you hit the road, there are a few important things to know about the biking culture, where to get a bike, safety rules, and insurance. We tell you more in this article!
Biking culture in France
France is experiencing a biking revolution, especially in cities like Paris, Lyon, and Strasbourg. These cities have invested in bike-friendly infrastructure, including extensive bike lanes and car-free zones. In 2021, the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, initiated a plan to make Paris 100% bikeable by 2026.
Not only are cities encouraging residents to choose biking or public transportation over their cars, but many employers are also offering a “Sustainable Mobility Package (FMD)” which reimburses up to €500 per year for employees who bike to work.
Buy a bike
When it comes to buying a bike in France, you have several options. Specialized bike shops, including larger chains like Decathlon, offer a wide range of bikes and accessories to suit different needs. Additionally, online marketplaces such as leboncoin.fr provide a variety of second-hand bikes at more affordable prices.
Rent a bike
If you don’t want to buy a bike, renting one through city-managed programs is a great alternative. Many cities have bike-sharing systems with convenient docking stations, such as Vélib’ in Paris, which offers both traditional and electric bikes, or Velo’v in Lyon.
Besides city-managed options, private companies also operate bike rental services in France. Lime, known for its electric scooters, offers dockless electric bikes in several cities. Uber provides electric bikes accessible its global app. These private services are flexible and app-based, making them ideal for both residents and tourists.
Safety rules
Cycling in France is a great way to travel, but it’s important to follow the rules for your safety and to avoid fines:
- Helmets: Mandatory for children under 12, strongly recommended for adults.
- Lights and reflectors: Your bike must have a white front light, red rear light, and reflectors (back, sides, and pedals) for night or low-visibility riding. A bell is also required.
- High-visibility clothing: You must wear a reflective vest outside urban areas at night or in poor visibility conditions.
- Bike lanes: Use designated bike lanes where available and obey traffic signals. Riding on sidewalks is prohibited unless otherwise indicated.
- Mobile phones and earphones: Using a phone or earphones while cycling is illegal and can result in fines.
- Alcohol limits: The legal alcohol limit for cyclists is the same as for drivers (0.5 g/L), and cycling while intoxicated is punishable by fines.
- Child passengers: Children under 5 must sit in a child seat with a harness.
For full regulations, check the official French road safety guidelines: https://www.service-public.fr/bicycles-traffic-rules-to-be-respected
Insurance
Bike theft is a concern in some areas, so consider purchasing insurance. Many home insurance policies cover bike theft, especially if the bike is securely locked. It’s worth checking with your provider to see if this option is available. Chains like Decathlon also offer insurance plans that customers can typically purchase at the same time they buy their new bike.
Most importantly, it is essential to have civil liability insurance (responsabilité civile). This insurance covers any damage or injury you may cause to others while riding your bike. Most home insurance policies include this, so again, it’s worth checking with your provider to ensure you are fully covered for any potential damage or injury you may cause to others while cycling.
Read more about civil liability insurance here: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/civil-liability-in-france/
Electric bikes
To conclude, we’d like to give you a note on electric bikes (vélos à assistance électrique), as they are becoming an increasingly popular option. The good news is that electric bikes don’t need to be registered and can be used just like traditional bikes, as long as they comply with the motor and speed regulations.
To be legally classified as an electric bike, the motor should only provide assistance while you’re pedaling. The motor must be limited to 250 watts and can only assist you up to a speed of 25 km/h. If your bike exceeds this speed, it will be classified as a moped, which requires legal registration, car/motorbike insurance, and a driving license.
