the Highway Code changes for cyclists, here are all the new features

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Being a cyclist on the road today is a constant danger. Between the bad faith of certain drivers, the sometimes impassable roads, and the danger posed by cars, even with a focused driver, the bicycle is sometimes abandoned for fear of not returning home in the evening. In France, 301 people lost their lives while cycling between 2021 and 2023.

In an attempt to slightly improve the daily lives of drivers of non-motorized two-wheelers, the Highway Code now authorizes the addition of additional lighting and somewhat reduces the obligations of cyclists. These modifications date from the end of November 2024 and the publication of a decree in Official Journal.

Five additional lights authorized

According to a study cited by Road Safety, 60% of cycling accidents in 2023 were linked to a visibility factor.

On a bicycle, it is already mandatory to be equipped with several installations: a front position light (white, non-flashing), rear (red, non-flashing), and four reflectors. At the front, white, on the pedals, Orange, at the rear, red, and on the wheels, orange.

For reflectors on the wheels, they can also use tires equipped with retroreflective devices.

This is the mandatory equipment on a bike. Until now, they had an exhaustive nature, and were the only ones to be authorized.

But according to a study cited by Road Safety, 60% of cycling accidents in 2023 were linked to a visibility factor. Also, cyclists can also equip themselves with new lighting devices:

• Another non-flashing white front position light;
• Another non-flashing red rear parking light;
• Orange, flashing direction indicator lights;
• A red, non-flashing brake light;
• Additional lateral fluorescent or retro-reflective devices.

This optional equipment can be attached to the helmet, for example.

Staying two abreast is now possible (but not in all cases)

This is not the only change affecting cyclists.

From now on, when they travel two abreast in so-called “calmed traffic” areas (pedestrian areas, meeting areas or even greenways), they are no longer obliged to fall back and can therefore remain side by side when a vehicle wishes to overtake them.

Please note, this new feature does not call into question “the principle of priority for pedestrians”, insists Road Safety.

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