“Standardize a little and regulate a practice that exists.” Given the proliferation of equipment in the bicycle section of stores and on bike lanes, Road Safety wanted to provide some clarifications.
The decree of November 27, 2024 thus incorporates these new accessories into the Highway Code, such as additional front or rear lights or side reflective stripes, without making them mandatory (infographic below).
These items can complement the mandatory cycling equipment (illustration below).
Authorized flashers…
But this evolution of the Highway Code does not necessarily validate all the innovations proposed by bicycle manufacturers and equipment suppliers. This is the case of flashing lights.
These have entered the Highway Code and today can be added to the bicycle frame or cyclist’s helmet to indicate a change of direction, as in a car.
However, it is not about transforming each bicycle into a “Christmas tree”, as one cyclist, often annoyed by this new equipment, points out, and continues: “some people forget them because they do not turn off automatically like in cars.” .
…but not in the back
As a cycling lawyer points out in a tweet, the decree published at the end of November now provides in the Highway Code that the rear lights of bicycles, both the mandatory and additional ones, must not flash.
“This light must not be flashing and must be clearly visible from behind when the vehicle is mounted. Every motorized vehicle for transporting people or bicycle may be equipped with an additional rear position light having the same characteristics. The driver may carry such a light light on him”, we can read in article R313-5.
These flashing lights are sometimes considered too dazzling for other users, whether cyclists, pedestrians or motorists. The French Federation of Bicycle Users (FUB) regrets this decision, because the rear flashing light “increased its autonomy”, “with less risk of overheating”, while allowing “better visibility and a reduction in the risk of accident by a rear impact.
The association also points out that many accessory manufacturers integrate this flashing dimension into the light, which remains problematic for users who have already purchased one or more. In fact, prices can reach several tens of euros.
And in front?
At the front, the mandatory light must not flash, as this is already stated in the Highway Code. Regarding this lighting at the front, the FUB considers that “this flashing mode always poses a glare problem” and therefore validates this obligation of constant light at the front.
The color code of the lights.
The decree of November 27, 2024 is also an opportunity to remember the color code that applies to all bicycles. The rear light must be red, while the front light must emit “yellow or white” light. Third color of fire: orange, which is used for reflectors, these reflective elements on the pedals or on the spokes of the wheels.
Source: BFM TV
