Helmet use in France

[fatblokish]

I am off touring in France this summer and wondered whether there were any particular merits in wearing a helmet in France. I generally I don't wear one in the UK.

ta

 

[ufkacbln]

You can use it to carry onions in as opposed to on a string around your neck

 

[Jimmy Doug]

No more than in the UK. I rarely wear one . There's no law to say you must.

 

[ufkacbln]

Sorry, couldn't resist

There are those more experienced than I, but AFAIK there is no legal requirement to wear a helmet in France

Edited... Like him^

 

[Red Light]

Sorry, couldn't resist

There are those more experienced than I, but AFAIK there is no legal requirement to wear a helmet in France

Edited... Like him^

Just make sure that if you get one it is certified to the French NF EN1078 as the British BS EN1078 certified helmets don't work in France (blame it on the Académie française)

 

[fatblokish]

I guess that good planning will allow me to avoid all accidents as they will occur exactly one hour ahead of me.

Beret it is then.

 

[jjb]

Brittany ferries made me walk the gangplank for not wearing a helmet. Is it called a gangplank, the disembarking drawbridge thing?

 

[Boris Bajic]

I've never worn one in France. Nor has anyone suggested I do.

In terms of the attitude of other road users towards cyclists, I find france the best place for cycling in Europe.

Also, the food is good and the countryside is pretty.

You'll have an excellent time and the great majority of other road users will respond positively and cheefully to the presence of a bicycle.

Enjoy!

 

[Muddyfox]

I've never worn one in France. Nor has anyone suggested I do.

In terms of the attitude of other road users towards cyclists, I find france the best place for cycling in Europe.

Also, the food is good and the countryside is pretty.

You'll have an excellent time and the great majority of other road users will respond positively and cheefully to the presence of a bicycle.

Enjoy!

I would agree with that

 

[Jimmy Doug]

Agreed. France is one of the safest and most pleasant places to cycle in. The roads are mostly very safe and motorists (outside of Paris) respect cyclists. Just remember to avoid the N roads as much as you can.

 

[doog]

Agree road users respect cyclists but they (the French) still drive like lunatics....ie you will get 5 feet but then its normal service resumed... . Beware late sunday afternoons in rural areas...I have seen some crazy driving (piissssed)

 

[djmc]

There are no regulations but French club cyclists almost universally wear helmets. Many sportif events demand helmets.