cycling in France

[asterix]

Hmm. If the statistics on fatal accidents on the roads are a measure of driving ability, then the best drivers in the world are the Icelanders with the British and Swedes not very far behind. (Source OECD Factbook 2010 - data for 2008).

I have given that some thought and guess that due to the size of the country and its more rural nature and much of its terrain, many French roads need more skilful and attentive driving. By skilful I don't mean being able to go faster!

As in the UK, the nearer you get to cities with the 'better' roads, the more stupid and competitive the driving becomes although Limoges is isn't bad at all compared to many.

 

[raindog]

I would say the standard of driving in France is horrendous. Various governments have been trying to get the casualty figures down for years, and in general they are coming down, but not fast enough. It was featured twice on this week's news that the figures for last month are actually up on february 2010, and it was mentioned that 10 people a day are killed on the roads here.

http://www.auto-buzz...vrier-2011.html

EDIT
A quick google for 2009 gave me 2222 road deaths in the UK and 4273 in France for the same year.

 

[Arch]

But how are those deaths split by mode of transport of the dead person? My impression of cycling the France (3 holidays of 2 weeks each, touring) is that they are way better around cyclists than Brits. Indeed a car that passes too close invariably has a GB plate.

To the OP, I'd echo the idea that you'll get used to it fairly quickly once you're actually riding on that side of the road. But a mirror might be a helpful aid, if you have any doubts.

And watch out for the odd place where they have prioritie a droit - at junctions where there are no road markings (crossroads etc), the traffic to the right has priority. I think such junctions are getting fewer now (many have give way lines or stop lines now), but it's worth being aware.

I've only once forgotton which side I ought to be on, having got lost and used a farmgateway to turn round, I defaulted to keeping left until I saw a car coming towards me. But I was driving a car that time! I moved over, pulled a 'stupid me!' face, and smote my brow, and the other guy just laughed.

 

[andym]

But how are those deaths split by mode of transport of the dead person? My impression of cycling the France (3 holidays of 2 weeks each, touring) is that they are way better around cyclists than Brits. Indeed a car that passes too close invariably has a GB plate.

Answer to the first question is 'I don't know'. I did once see a bar graph from Transport 2000 which suggested that cyclists make up a similar proportion of fatalities in both countries. But it wasn't very big and I've never managed to find it again.

My impression (and these things are entirely subjective) from cycling in Britain, France, Spain and Italy is that:

- most motorists are sensible and considerate - just like you and me (or at least I try to be) but you get the occasional jerk;

- on main roads motorists behave worse. I'm not sure why this is, but I'd swear that the faster the road the less space they leave for cyclists;

- pretty much all motorists will give cyclists room if there's a clear road ahead, but, if someone is in a hurry to get to work, pick up the kids from school or whatever, and they have to choose between braking and waiting or squeezing the amount of space between them and the cyclist then they will squeeze through. Excuse me if I sound cynical but I think that's human nature pretty much wherever you go.

When I'm cycling in the country in England the major problem I frequently find myself having to indicate to cars to pass me when in fact they had plenty of passing room (but OK I'm used to riding in London).

I suspect that one of the reasons why accident rates in France (and other countries like Italy and Spain) is that drinking and driving is still much more socially acceptable than it is in countries like Britain, Sweden and Holland. That's changing, but you'll still see people in restaurants knock back a half bottle of wine with lunch and then get into their cars.

But my reason for making the point is not to say that cycling in France isn't safe, but to emphasise that the roads in the UK are a lot safer than many people think.

 

[asterix]

I would say the standard of driving in France is horrendous. Various governments have been trying to get the casualty figures down for years, and in general they are coming down, but not fast enough. It was featured twice on this week's news that the figures for last month are actually up on february 2010, and it was mentioned that 10 people a day are killed on the roads here.

http://www.auto-buzz...vrier-2011.html

EDIT
A quick google for 2009 gave me 2222 road deaths in the UK and 4273 in France for the same year.

It probably depends on the region. The pace of life round here is completely different to anywhere near a major city and I find when I go to places like Bordeaux or Toulouse the driving is pretty cut-throat and within quite a large radius of Paris, ditto.

The holiday period and holiday routes are to be avoided at all costs!

 

[Bodhbh]

I suspect that one of the reasons why accident rates in France (and other countries like Italy and Spain) is that drinking and driving is still much more socially acceptable than it is in countries like Britain, Sweden and Holland. That's changing, but you'll still see people in restaurants knock back a half bottle of wine with lunch and then get into their cars.

But my reason for making the point is not to say that cycling in France isn't safe, but to emphasise that the roads in the UK are a lot safer than many people think.

I worked in Belguim about 10years ago (french speaking part) and the difference in attitude towards drinkign and driving to the UK was pretty stunning. Work collegues would think nothing of having several beers and driving home with a car full of passengers, and they didn't mind either. As I passenger, I don't recall being asked if it was okay or or not, it was just assumed there was no problem, not even worth mentioning. I always assumed it was not so different in France, although I've never spent enough time there to get a feel.

 

[Brains]

Hmm. If the statistics on fatal accidents on the roads are a measure of driving ability, then the best drivers in the world are the Icelanders with the British and Swedes not very far behind. (Source OECD Factbook 2010 - data for 2008).

It should be pointed out the the number vehicles per mile of tarmacked roads in the UK is many time higher than Iceland or Sweden, which makes the UK one of the safest places in the world to drive.

Portugal and Greece, both with a much smaller number of vehicles per mile of roads both have far higher death tolls that the UK, even though their total population is about the same as London.

The island of Mykonos, with about 100 miles of roads had so many deaths last year that the authorities have not released the figures, but the suspision is it's over 100!

 

[bigjim]

Hmmm. Ian Hibbel killed in Greece by two idiots racing each other. Wonder if they ever got done for it?

 

[raindog]

It should be pointed out the the number vehicles per mile of tarmacked roads in the UK is many time higher than Iceland or Sweden, which makes the UK one of the safest places in the world to drive.

Exactly.

 

[asterix]

It should be pointed out the the number vehicles per mile of tarmacked roads in the UK is many time higher than Iceland or Sweden, which makes the UK one of the safest places in the world to drive.

Portugal and Greece, both with a much smaller number of vehicles per mile of roads both have far higher death tolls that the UK, even though their total population is about the same as London.

The island of Mykonos, with about 100 miles of roads had so many deaths last year that the authorities have not released the figures, but the suspision is it's over 100!

Is that because a lot of the time the UK vehicles are stationary or moving very slowly?

Having driven in the Peloponnese a few times, I am not surprised by Greek accident stats. The roads are very difficult, the drivers are very difficult, the vehicles are falling apart and at the wrong time of day you can't see where you want to go because of the sun. And as for Athen, literally, don't go there..

 

[Norm]

I have just realised when cycling in France I will have to glance over the left shoulder to make sure its all clear tried it out today and it didn't come naturally

Anyone else experienced similar difficulties?

Do you not look over your left shoulder occasionally in this country when cycling? or do you mean just the habit of looking over the right shoulder?

This was my first thought too.

It might be that I've become accustomed to doing "lifesavers" both ways on a motorbike (when taking an exit slip, I always put one in for instance) but I'm surprised (and a little shocked) that a left-sided shoulder check felt unnatural. Do you not do one when you exit a roundabout? Do roads or cycle paths never join your roads from the left? Have you never needed to move to the left from primary or change to a different lane on a one-way system?

My guess to the OP is that it only felt weird because you were forcing yourself to do it and, if you didn't think about it, you'd realise that you already do it plenty naturally.

 

[roundisland]

This was my first thought too.

It might be that I've become accustomed to doing "lifesavers" both ways on a motorbike (when taking an exit slip, I always put one in for instance) but I'm surprised (and a little shocked) that a left-sided shoulder check felt unnatural. Do you not do one when you exit a roundabout? Do roads or cycle paths never join your roads from the left? Have you never needed to move to the left from primary or change to a different lane on a one-way system?

My guess to the OP is that it only felt weird because you were forcing yourself to do it and, if you didn't think about it, you'd realise that you already do it plenty naturally.

Well you must be right I am still alive and have done plenty of roundabouts lane changing etc, so I guess I'm doing it naturally. I consider myself to be a careful and thoughtful cyclist and moving into left hand lanes without checking would be suicide, Thanks for pointing that out its got me thinking.

 

[Bergin 12]

Hi Folks,

I'm new to this forum but just looking for some help. This summer i am leading a charity cycle through France from St. Malo to Lourdes. I have had to change my route slightly and i was wondering what roads can cyclists use in France? Are the rules the same as in the UK i.e. no cycling on the dule carriageway etc.

Also has anyone cycled from St. Malo to Rennes and then from Rennes to Nants and know the best route to take? I'm looking for the most direct rute were are time restricted so dont have the option of the senic route.

Thanks
Andy.

 

[paulrw]

relax. france is well cool, you will love it. just avoid big places. it is definitelly a top world cycling destination

 

[snorri]

Also has anyone cycled from St. Malo to Rennes and then from Rennes to Nants and know the best route to take? I'm looking for the most direct rute were are time restricted so dont have the option of the senic route.

I think you would get a better response if you started a new thread in the Touring section entitled St Malo to Nants (should that be Nantes?) or Lourdes.
Sorry I can't help you, never been much south of St Malo, it's too far from the sea and too hot for me down there!