French road signs for cyclists

Cycle routes in France
Follow one of the many marked cycle itineraries in France
Cycle routes in France

French Road Signs for Cyclists

Expanding on our post ‘Cycling Laws in France‘ we’ve brought together the most important French road signs for cyclists.

Knowing these signs, together with understanding the cycling rules in France will ensure you have a fun and trouble free time riding in this cycling paradise!

Are bikes allowed?

No! – Bikes are prohibited
Yes! – The lane is reserved for public transport and bicycles

Cycle lane signs

The start and end of an advisory cycle lane.
The start and end of an obligatory cycle lane – so use the lane!

One way streets

Cycling in France - One way road sign, except for bikes!
A one way street – but not for bicycles which are exempt!
A road where bikes can travel in both directions, while cars are restricted to one way only. Often in areas with a 30km limit and used in conjunction with the previous sign.

Town Centre Signs

Found in a town centre, this shows that pedestrians have priority, that there is a 20km speed limit and that bicycles can travel in both directions even if there are one way restrictions.
MDB - Le cédez-le-passage cycliste au feu rouge maintenant une réalité
This sign gives authorisation for a bicycle to pass a red light. However the cyclist must give way to pedestrians or vehicles that are following their own green light.

Beautiful gifts for cyclists

chicavelo.com

Priority signs

The following signs recap the detail found in our blog post Cycling laws in France, where we talk about the sometimes complicated ‘priorite a droite’ or give way to the right. Unlike the previous signs, you are more likely to come across the following signs when cycling in the countryside.

Cycling in France - Road sign You have priority
A road where you may not always have priority over vehicles entering from side roads to the right.
Cycling in France - Road sign - You do not have priority
A road upon which you have priority over cars entering from side roads.
Beginning and end of a ‘Green Lane’ or Voie Verte – reserved for cyclists, pedestrians, horse riders and non motorised vehicles.
Cycling in France - Equal priority road sign
A junction where no-one has priority, but the norm is to give way to the right.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this post on french road signs for cyclists. You can find more information direct from the french government at www.securite-routiere.gouv.fr

By Jon Lethbridge

Jon, along with Alison created Loire Life Cycling in 2009. Moving to France in 2006 they spent two years renovating an Anjou farmstead Le Gue de Ray. Today Loire Life Cycling welcomes guests from all over the world including Australia, Canada, USA, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK. There is nothing more Jon enjoys than showing off his adopted home - the lovely Loire Valley, France!