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See and be seen. Visibility is a cyclist's first asset. Day or night, it's important to be visible to everyone: motorists, of course, but also pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. High-visibility safety vests help to attract everyone's attention, and are compulsory at night, outside built-up areas, as well as during the day when it's dark or foggy. Lighting devices are also compulsory, to ensure your visibility (retro-reflectors, dynamo, removable lamps or self-contained reelight systems). It's also a question of being clear in your intentions: hold out your arm to indicate each change of direction and make sure your intention has been clearly understood by other road users. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable at intersections. Respecting the Highway Code also helps motorists anticipate where cyclists are heading. In built-up areas, pay particular attention to road surfaces such as speed bumps and drain grates. Watch out for blind spots and the lateral movements of trucks, buses and vans: it's best to stay well back.
Highway code. A whole set of regulations applies to cyclists, giving them both rights and duties in terms of equipment, traffic and facilities. Regulations are constantly changing, and vary from country to country. So it's a good idea to find out about them in advance. as far as traffic in France is concerned, blue signs indicate cycle paths: the round ones are compulsory and the rectangular ones advise you to use them. Prohibited expressways are indicated by white signs circled in red.
Street code. This is an evolution of the highway code, in force in some local authorities, which sets out a principle of caution towards the most vulnerable users (notably pedestrians), redefines pedestrian areas and introduces "encounter zones" with prioritization according to different modes of travel.
Prohibitions. Headphones, earpieces and headphones are prohibited on bicycles. The use of cell phones, even when held in the hand, is prohibited.
For further information: www.securite-routiere.gouv.fr, www.fub.fr
Dare to take your place. Dare to take your place in traffic or in dedicated facilities. Try to stay in control of your bike and your speed, and avoid zigzagging on the road. In the rain and on wet roads, remember to anticipate braking. If you're riding in a group, make sure you're in the right formation. Avoid riding with more than two people abreast. When overtaking another vehicle or on a narrow road, ride in single file. It's also important to communicate with each other to warn of obstacles on the road (holes, gravel, etc.), as well as to inform others that a car is overtaking or coming in front. In the event of a mechanical incident, it's best not to stop on the road, but on the right-hand side of the shoulder. It's always possible to learn to pedal or to get back in the saddle: find out more from the bike-school network, your local authority, or the Fédération des Usagers de la Bicyclette(www.fub.fr).
A bike that is adjusted and in working order
To ride safely, you first need a bike that's properly tuned and in good working order. New or old, the bike must be in perfect working order: gears must change smoothly (danger in case of chain jump due to poor transmission maintenance). Brakes must work properly and smoothly (from time to time, check the wear of pads and cables). It's also important to check the tightness of bolts and quick-releases, especially on wheels, handlebars, saddle and brakes. As for tires, they must be re-inflated regularly, in compliance with the pressure indicated on the tire by the manufacturer. One of the most important elements to consider is the saddle, an essential component in terms of comfort, especially for long rides. Its height, and that of the handlebars, must be ergonomically correct. Any bike shop or rental company will be able to give you the right advice on adjustment and maintenance.
Bicycle safety features. Bicycles must have two braking systems, a luggage rack, a lighting system and a bell. The bell is particularly useful for warning other users, whether pedestrians, cars or cyclists, to avoid accidents. Mudguards keep your bike clean and avoid blinding the cyclist behind you with splashes. A rear-view mirror, installed on the left-hand side, lets you know what's going on behind you at all times, and can be very useful in traffic. It's important to check beforehand that your field of vision isn't too restricted. A stand makes short stops easier. It's also important to have a pump (hand-operated, as it's portable) and a tool kit containing: a tire iron, spare inner tube, glue and patches; rags, gloves, pump, drift chain, pliers and multifunction tool (BTR wrench, screwdriver).
Appropriate clothing. Generally speaking, if you want to enjoy cycling in the best possible conditions, it's important to make sure you're properly equipped for the weather. Avoid baggy trouser bottoms, untied shoelaces, drooping scarves and long coats that are easy to hang on to: risk of falling! Choose light-colored clothing to increase your visibility during the day. For longer rides, you can opt for short or long cycling shorts, depending on the season. This will spare you the inconvenience of the saddle, well known to professional cyclists, such as overheating or skin burns. When it comes to helmets (compulsory for under-12s and strongly recommended for the rest of us), opt for hard-shells, which protect you from head injuries in the event of a fall. Sunglasses will protect you from both UV rays and dust.
Preventing theft
Whatever their quality, bicycles are highly sought-after by thieves. According to a 2023 study, an estimated 350,000 to 580,000 bicycles are reported stolen in France. In the majority of cases, thefts take place in public spaces. As prevention is better than cure, here are a few first-line tips. When you're out and about, make sure you don't leave your bike too long, and as far as possible, keep it within your field of vision. Prefer frequented areas or secure and/or guarded parking lots. Some local authorities have set up secure parking facilities or rented bike boxes as part of their bicycle systems.
How do I secure my bike? Secure both the frame and the front wheel. Indeed, it's very important to secure the front wheel to the frame, as it's more vulnerable to theft than the rear wheel, as it can be dismantled more easily. Avoid saddle and wheel quick-releases, especially for use in built-up areas. They may seem practical at first glance, but be aware that they make it easier to steal your bike. Accessories are also easy prey for even the most inexperienced thieves. Don't hesitate to keep your panniers, pump or speedometer with you when you leave your bike.
Marking. Since 2021, bike marking has been compulsory for bikes sold new and used by professionals. State-approved operators are in charge of this marking. You can also have a bike you already own marked. Marking is associated with registration of the bike on a single national register. Marking helps to deter thieves (making it harder to resell the bike) and facilitates searches in the event of theft. Many bicycles that are stolen and recovered cannot be returned to their owners because they cannot be identified. For further information: www.bicycode.fr
Anti-theft locks. Today, one or more locks are often essential to prevent theft if you have to part with your bike for a while. For a short stop, a stirrup lock allows you to quickly lock the rear wheel. For longer stops, prefer large U-shaped padlocks, designed to withstand multiple assaults. They may be heavy, but their price is considerably lower than that of a new bike. Spiral locks, on the other hand, give in to the first cutting pliers that come along, and padlocks with numbers don't resist thieves for long either. A rather short U lock, combined with a rear-wheel lock, is generally recommended. But there's little to stop a well-equipped, organized thief. That's why all the advice above applies to reducing the risk of theft. FUB offers an anti-theft comparator (www.fub.fr/antivols). Note that some locks are approved or certified (guaranteeing a minimum level of protection for the user, sometimes required by the insurer). See also www.bicycode.org.
Insurance. Bicycle theft at home may be included in your home insurance policy (ask for details). Specific insurance policies are also available for bike theft.
A bicycle parking system for private individuals: www.velhome.co.
In case of theft
Darn, your bike's been stolen: dropped, vanished! The first thing to do is to report it to the police. Then, via your operator's database, find out if your bike is marked. You can also consult the following websites: www.bicycode.org and www.veloperdu.fr. Also consult your insurance company, ask your friends to keep an eye out, and look at the classified ads. When it's cold, try to understand the factors that led to the theft, so you can better anticipate the next time. And keep things in perspective: it's only equipment. To be on the safe side, take a photo of your bike strapped in place.