Cycling Side by Side: What the Law really Says about this Practice (Which Annoys Motorists)

Cyclists have the right to ride two abreast in town and countryside. But more than two of them face a fine.

During a walking outing by bike with several people, it can be nicer to ride side by side. But do cyclists have the right to ride two “at the same time”? At three? Is this (really) punishable d’a sanction ? The answers to these questions can be found in the highway code.

In town, “if you ride in a group, ride in pairs abreast or in single file”, says road safety. Driving two people side by side in town is therefore completely legal, no offense to motorists. And outside urban areas, on country roads ? The rule is the same.

Fines 35 euros

“At night, in the event of overtaking by a vehicle or when circumstances require it (narrow road, etc.), systematically place yourself in single file”, specifies Road Safety, which gives traffic rules for bicycles.

Drivers of two-wheeled cycles without a trailer or sidecar must never drive more than two abreast on the roadway. Except in pedestrian areas, greenways, and meeting areas, they must line up in single file as soon as daylight falls and in all cases where traffic conditions require it, particularly when a vehicle wanting to pass announces its approach.

But then what are the risks of traveling more than two abreast on the road? Violators incur a second class fine, according to the highway code. The fine amounts to 35 euros.

Split large groups

What if there are more of you? “If your group has more than ten people, split it”, indicates Road Safety, which also recommends not driving too “too close to the shoulder” outside built-up areas and tightening “as far to the right as possible” in turns paying attention to vehicles.

To overtake, he must move far enough so as not to risk hitting the user he wants to overtake. In any case, he must not approach it laterally less than one meter in built-up areas and one and a half meters outside built-up areas if it is an animal-powered vehicle, a two-wheeled vehicle or three-wheeled, a pedestrian, a rider or an animal.

Here are the precautions for riding on the road. And as a reminder, in urban areas, riding on the pavement carries a fine of 135 euros.