Special requirements for Spain and France

danny1c

Hello

I'm shortly setting off to cycle between Santander and Roscoff and just wanted to know if anyone is aware of anything that has to be carried by law when cycling in Spain and France. I know that when driving in these countries things like, spare bulbs, warning triangles, and high viz jackets have to be carried.

I'm also raising money for charity and if any of you would like to contribute all donations will be greatly received
http://www.bmycharity.com/​advancetoroscoff

andymiller

Yes IIRC in France you have to wear hiviz at night or in poor visibility outside built-up areas. In Spain you have to wear a helmet - again (IIRC) outside built-up areas. There's also a let-out if it's really hot (SFAIK no definition of really hot).

culverwood

I checked with the Spanish state's Department of Transport website.
http://www.dgt.es

The law says you have to use an approved and certified helmet on inter-urban roads (i.e. outside towns). The exceptions are 1) Going up a prolonged ascent, 2) Medical grounds 3) In extreme heat. One cyclist had his front wheel confiscated when he couldn't pay the €90 fine

Cyclists are allowed to ride up to 2 abreast.

Cyclists are banned from freeways, except when the authorities decide that there is no other alternative.

Cyclists are responsible for providing their bike with lights and reflectors, and also have to wear reflective clothing when riding on the road under poor light conditions

The use of IPods and other similar devices as well as mobile phones is prohibited when cycling.

You should also be aware of new traffic regulations in Spain which mean that the drink-drive limits now expressly apply to cyclists. The maximum rate of blood level of alcohol, (0,5 g/l of alcohol in blood or breathalyser more than to 0,25 milligrams per liter) also applies to cyclists who are forced, like other road users, to take the mandatory test of blood level of alcohol.

danny1c

Thanks for the info.

culverwood

From http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr site

One unusual policy the French government is seeking to implement is
Improving safety - Implementation of the "right-turn" which allows cyclists to avoid stopping at a red light, if they comply with the priority given to other users.
New signage now allows mayors to allow cyclists, in some intersections to turn right or go straight when there is no way to right while the light is red, respecting the priority given to other users, mainly pedestrians.
This follows from the provisions of the Decree of 12 January 2012 (OJ of 27 January) that created the new signage.
The measure gives the mayor the opportunity, as part of their local political movement, adding traffic lights on selected routes and at intersections chosen with all the security and signage for cyclists only allowing the "right-turn" or "straight."
This new signal is composed of escutcheons or flashing amber lights that show a silhouette of a bike and an arrow indicating the direction permitted:

Question: Helmet and safety vest are they required when traveling by bike?
No.
However, the safety vest is mandatory for all cyclists out of town at night or by day if poor visibility
This requirement, in force since 1 October 2008, follows a decision of the Interministerial Committee on Road Safety, 13 February 2008. Failure to observe this requirement will be liable to a breach of the second class in the amount of 35 euros (22 euros minus the fine).

Question: What is the mandatory lighting for my bike?
Articles R313-4 and 5 of the Highway Code requires lighting on bikes only at night or when visibility is poor. Unlike other classes of vehicles, it is not anticipated that the equipment is permanently mounted on the bikes.
More details on the lighting of bikes:
In lighting and signaling, Article R.313-1 of the Highway Code states that any vehicle can be provided of lighting or signalling equipment provided in the rules of the road. For cycles, these devices are set out in Articles R.313-4, R.313-5, R.313-18, R.313- 19 and R.313-20:
Front position ( R.313-4 X)
"At night or day when visibility is poor, any cycle must be equipped with a forward position emitting light without glare, yellow or white. "
Rear position (R.313-5 V)
"At night or day when visibility is poor, any cycle must be equipped with a rear light. This light must be clearly visible from the rear when the vehicle is mounted. "
Rear reflectors (R.313-18 V)
"Every cycle shall be equipped with one or more rear reflectors. "
Side reflectors (R.313-19 V)
"Every cycle shall be equipped with reflectors visible orange laterally. "
Side reflectors (R.313-20 III to V)
"The pedals of any cycle, moped or light quadricycle motor must have reflectors, except in the case of two-wheeled cycles with retractable pedals. "
"Every cycle shall be equipped with a white reflector visible from the front. "
"Every cycle can have at the back and left a reflector device of danger. "
Section R313-25 of the Highway Code states that only turn signals and hazard lights can have a flashing light. Any other lamp must currently have a continuous light intensity.