The death of a cyclist in Paris last week, who was mortally injured after being hit by an SUV driver subsequently charged with murder, has once again cast a spotlight on the often fractious relationship between cyclists and drivers.
With drivers and cyclists often sharing the road – or where there are dedicated cycle lanes, driving close to each other – road signs and street signs often explain the key rules for both groups.
Although drivers will know about some of the signs through the highway code (French, British, or otherwise), there are a few key signs it is important to make sure you know.
Below, we look at some important signs you should be aware of.
Sas Vélo
These signs, placed in front of a set of traffic lights, denote that this space is reserved for cyclists or manual scooter (trottinette) users. It is sometimes called a cycle lock.
Only cyclists (and manual scooter users) can enter the designated space when traffic lights are red.
It allows cyclists to avoid being in a vehicle’s blind spot (either behind or on the side of vehicles), as well as prevents them breathing in exhaust fumes.
TCY / Wikimedia Commons
Drivers face a €35 fine if they stop their cars (or motorbikes) in these zones.
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However, this may increase to a category 4 fine (€135), and see you lose up to four points off your licence, if you block the zone when traffic lights are red.
This is because it can technically be viewed as running a red light, as your vehicle did not stop at the traffic light demarcation point and continued driving.
‘M12’ sign
This sign can sometimes be seen below or above traffic lights, and is a small inverted triangular sign with a yellow bike inside, with a yellow arrow pointing a certain direction/s.
If this sign is underneath a traffic light that is red, it becomes a give way sign (cèdez-le-passage) for the cyclist.
This allows the cyclist to cycle through the red light, however they must remain highly alert and give way to pedestrians and vehicles should they wish to cycle through the red light in the direction/s indicated.
Actu.fr/M.T’s
Cycle lane sign meanings
There are two main signs that you may see near cycle lanes.
If the sign is circular, with a blue background and white bike inside, it means the use of the cycle lane is mandatory, and bikes must not be on the road.
However, if the sign is square (with a corresponding blue background and white bike inside) it means use of the cycle lane is recommended, but not obligatory.
Remember, in France there is a difference between cycle lanes adjacent to roads which are separated from the road by ground marking (bande cyclable) and independent lanes that are physically separated from the road network (piste cyclable).
If an unauthorised vehicle uses a lane specifically designed for another mode of transport (i.e a car in a cycle lane, or bus lane), the driver faces a €135 fine.
Léna Constantin / Adobe Stock
Double sens vélo
Another important sign for drivers should know is the double sens vélo, which denotes bikes can drive in both directions. However, motorised vehicles can only drive in one direction.
It means drivers will need to be aware of cyclists behind them, but also driving head on towards them.
