Riding in France

France is a great country for riding a bike, I've been touring there since the mid 70s.  Unfortunately french friends tell me that the authorities are getting fed up with the number of british riders hopping over the channel to escape speed cameras and ride like idiots.  Traffic policing has certainly increased considerably within an hour or so of the channel ports to combat this phenomenon with a focus on British bikes/cars.  Unheard of even in the mid 2000s there are now speed cameras on the Autoroutes/Peages.

Unlike the UK on the spot fines are common, and if you can't pay you'll lose your bike.  The new breathalyser and hi-viz/reflective laws are also something to be aware of.  I don't know of any example of anyone falling foul of the 4 x refective stickers required on your helmet, but that's not to say someone hasn't/ won't. 

Just as in the UK police bikers are usually slightly pro bike, but don't push it!  They usually acknowledge other bikers, if not with the reverse V sign beloved by other french bikers and children.

Well what did you think STOP meant?