Are We Allowed to Ride Bikes on Pavements? What the Highway Code Says

Only young children can cycle on the pavements, otherwise it is prohibited. It is even punishable by a fairly high fine.

We’ve all done it, especially when we were little. Ride on the pavement with your city bike, for the wisest, or your BMX, your mountain bike, even your road bike, for the most intrepid. And yet, the law is very clear: it is strictly prohibited.

“The highway code applies in the same way to all users”, recalls road safety. In order to guarantee everyone’s safety, cyclists must respect a certain number of rules, in town or outside built-up areas; day and night. and these regulations are very specific.

Be a child under 8 years old or hold your bike in your hand

“Alone children under 8 years old are authorized to use the pavements”, we can read, for cyclists, on the government website. And again, “provided you drive at a reasonable speed and do not disturb pedestrians”, it is stipulated.

Note, however, that the highway code (available on Légifrance) provides that the circulation of all two-wheeled vehicles hand driving is tolerated on the roadway , including the sidewalks. But, “in this case, drivers are required to observe the rules imposed on pedestrians”.

Passive of a fine

Driving on the sidewalk in built-up areas is even punishable by a fixed fine. And not the most minimal: 135 euros.

Or the same amount as other offenses such as: holding your phone or wearing headphones; driving in the wrong direction; grilling the stop at a red light or a stop sign or giving priority to pedestrians; go up the lines to the right; or even drive under the influence of alcohol (between 0.25 and 0.4 mg/L of exhaled air).

In comparison, “traveling more than two abreast on the road” —i.e. side by side on the road — is “only” punishable by a fine of 35 euros.

In the city, bicycles must ride on their cycle lanes

Generally speaking, if we ignore the specific cases (greenways, meeting zones, pedestrian zones, zones 30, etc.), bicycles are required to take the arrangements made available to them.

“If the roadway is bordered on each side by cycle lanes, users of these lanes must take the one on the right, in the direction of traffic and respect the traffic lights regulating road crossings”, indicates Road Safety.

For cyclists, the obligation to use cycle lanes or paths is established by the authority vested with police power after consulting the prefect. However, it is strongly recommended that cyclists, for their safety, favor using the lanes dedicated to them.

And in the absence of cycle paths or lanes? “Cyclists travel on the right side of the road. ”They can “move away from parked vehicles” on the same edge “by a distance necessary for its safety”, it is specified.

Outside of cities, watch out for vehicles

Outside built-up areas, it is advisable not to drive “too close to the shoulder, to avoid ruts or gravel” and to “tighten to the right as much as possible” in turns “because cars only see you at the last moment”. When a truck passes, remain particularly careful and vigilant about the phenomenon of draft.

Finally, don’t forget that being on a bicycle exposes you, especially when you have to travel directly on the road alongside motorized vehicles. To reduce risks, remember to make yourself visible, as much as possible, in all circumstances.

In a group, you can ride in pairs abreast or in single file (and without risking a fine). If your band is large, split it. Don’t play it peloton like on the Tour de France.