Cycling at night in France.

[gavroche]

I just found out today that the French government has just passed a new law as from November 29th 2024, regarding cycling at night.
It is now illegal to ride at night with a flashing red light. It must be a fixed light, same as your front light.
Breaking the law is liable to a 11 euros fine. You have been warned.

 

[DCLane]

On PBP in 2015 static front and rear lights were a requirement, along with a reflective vest, although that may have been the organisers decision and/or local laws.

 

[HLaB]

Are you allowed to run both?

I was until 2 days ago running one solid and one flashing but the battery life on the solid light isnt great despite it being brand new. With both flashing I rarely have a light fail on me, so I've defaulted to that. Edit Ive also more faith in drivers eyes being caught by something flashing.

 

[mjr]

Edit Ive also more faith in drivers eyes being caught by something flashing.

Good for being noticed, bad for identifying where you are and absolutely terrible because it tells them you're cycling.

 

[HLaB]

Good for being noticed, bad for identifying where you are and absolutely terrible because it tells them you're cycling.

Supposedly, I use to always run one solid and one flashing, for that first reason. As I was saying battery life on solid lights even new is a bit haphazard and I seem to get better passes with both flashing, that is subjective though.

 

[slowmotion]

Estimating the distance to a flashing light is far more difficult than to a solid light. Top marks to the French.

 

[Gwylan]

I just found out today that the French government has just passed a new law as from November 29th 2024, regarding cycling at night.
It is now illegal to ride at night with a flashing red light. It must be a fixed light, same as your front light.
Breaking the law is liable to a 11 euros fine. You have been warned.

And the fine for no light?

Knowing France it will be €3 or transportation

 

[PaulSB]

While searching for information on this I discovered it's illegal to use an ear piece, headphones etc. while cycling in France.

 

[steveindenmark]

While searching for information on this I discovered it's illegal to use an ear piece, headphones etc. while cycling in France.

Thats a good idea. I have been using Aeropex Aftershokz bone conducting headphones for about 4 years. They are comfortable and work very well.

 

[PaulSB]

Thats a good idea. I have been using Aeropex Aftershokz bone conducting headphones for about 4 years. They are comfortable and work very well.

Yes, I completely agree. If the reaction, totally oblivious, I get from walkers when I'm gravel riding is anything to go by ear pieces are a real danger. Not being able to hear cuts off an important sense.

A buddy of mine uses bone conducting phones. They're very good though I don't approve of his habit of taking phone calls while we're riding.

 

[Tenkaykev]

Yes, I completely agree. If the reaction, totally oblivious, I get from walkers when I'm gravel riding is anything to go by ear pieces are a real danger. Not being able to hear cuts off an important sense.

A buddy of mine uses bone conducting phones. They're very good though I don't approve of his habit of taking phone calls while we're riding.

I wear a pair of Aftershokz when using my laptop. Dragging them up from my neck on one occasion they came to rest on my ears, I was surprised at the increased audio response ( but I suppose you have all the fleshy ear resonating more directly to your eardrums)

 

[Once a Wheeler]

Most legislation insists on lights being fixed to the bicycle. So for urban night riding I often add an extra fixed red light beneath my offside knee. The up-and-down movement seems to attract attention and helps keep motorists at a safe distance.

 

[Psamathe]

Does the new law forbid flashing lights or just require fixed lights? ie are you allowed two eg rear, one fixed (continuous), other flashing?

My subjective impression is that flashing makes you more noticeable but can also accept that fixed makes distance judgement easier. From driving (car) at night (as said bt MJR above). I've felt that pulsed light is most effective ie continuous but with additional brighter flash.

Probably more of an issue for the rear as after dark you (or I) want a continuous beam to see road ahead. Flasher I can't imaging a flasher as well would make seeing road harder but I've never tried it.

Ian

 

[Psamathe]

I rarely cycle after dark in France (just occasionally whilst on tour, maybe returning to campsite late), but it's mot a major gear issue for me as all lights I've had over the last 10+ years have been multi-mode (with different flashes and different brightnesses) so just a button press to switch to continuous mode for the short ride back to campsite.

Ian

 

[Baldy]

Have to ask myself,

"How often do I ride at night?" Answer, a handful of times per year.

"How often do I ride in France?" Answer, not in the last twenty five years.

I don't see a problem.