The Code de la route has changed for cyclists in France

France’s Code de la route (its set of road safety laws) has been updated to provide cyclists with additional safety measures. 

The new measures are not obligatory but relate to lights that cyclists can use at night as well as right-of-way rules in certain areas that are deemed quieter zones.

The changes were confirmed in a decree published in the Journal Officiel and have been in force since the beginning of December. 

It is hoped the changes will reduce the number of cyclist deaths in France – over 300 cyclists were killed on the roads between 2021 and 2023 in France. 

Read more: Letters: French cycling rules are rarely enforced

New lights 

Cyclists are required to have a certain number of lights on their bikes to make themselves visible when driving at night, alongside reflective clothing. These are: 

• Front position light (white, not flashing)

• Rear position light (red, not flashing)

• Four reflectors – at the front, white; on the pedals, orange; at the rear, red; and on the wheels, orange

This list was exhaustive and contained all the authorised lightning positions, however the new decree added the following possible options: 

• A second non-flashing white front position lamp

• A second non-flashing red rear position light

• Flashing orange direction indicator lights

• A red stop lamp, not flashing

• Additional fluorescent or retro-reflective side markers

These final lights can also be added to clothing such as helmets. 

A second change sees cyclists in calmer areas such as pedestrian zones or green cycle lanes (à circulation apaisée) allowed to cycle side-by-side permanently, even when a vehicle, pedestrian, or other cyclist wishes to overtake them.

However, pedestrians still take priority in these areas. 

Read more: Act fast to benefit from this financial help to buy an electric bike in France