To improve their visibility, cyclists and scooter users are sometimes equipped with specific lighting devices, such as turn signals placed on the vehicle, on the helmet or in a bag. However, these devices were not regulated until now.
A decree published at the end of November in the Official Gazette thus introduces several measures related to this equipment into the highway code: “lighting, lights and retro-reflective devices in addition to those already mandatory.” These are optional elements but they already exist in the Highway Code.
Therefore, the following are authorized on the bicycle, its trailer or on the EDPM (motorized personal transport vehicles such as scooters):
- an additional front or rear position light: white at the front, red at the rear, not flashing;
- a brake light: red towards the rear;
- direction indicator lights: orange, flashing;
- additional passive lateral fluorescent or retroreflective devices, for example retroreflective strips, strips or stickers.
Authorized additional lights
Regarding the devices that the cyclist or driver can carry, for example integrated into the helmet, in addition to the mandatory bicycle lights or EDPM:
- Front or rear position light;
- Direction indicator lights;
- Stoplight.
These devices are important and can save lives. According to the Cofacy study, cited in the 2023 report of the National Interministerial Observatory for Road Safety (ONISR), 60% of cycling accidents have a visibility factor.
Bicycle circulation, relaxation in certain areas.
This decree also eliminates the obligation to turn back for cyclists who circulate two by two, in certain quiet traffic areas (pedestrian zones, meeting areas and greenways), respecting the principle of priority for pedestrians.
This relaxation only affects cyclists and thus allows them not to turn back when a vehicle wants to overtake them in the indicated areas.
Source: BFM TV
