Cycling in Paris

Cycling in Paris

Cycling in Paris is one of the most efficient ways of sightseeing and commuting in the French capital. With over 200 kilometer of bike path and 70 kilometer of bus lane available for bike riding, Paris is truly a bike riding friendly city. All you need is good equipment and a good insurance to enjoy a safe bike ride in Paris.

Cycling in Paris, for business or pleasure one has to use the growing number of bike lanes which make bike riding an easy and efficient mode of transportation in the city. Twenty minutes on a cycle and one can easily visit most of the hallmarks in the city.

To step down the pollution level in the city the French authorities have adopted steps to promote cycling in Paris. The authorities have made arrangements for free bikes to commuters, strollers and tourists in the city. Besides being pollution friendly, cycling for an avid cyclist is a perfect way of working out whilst enjoying the scenery and sites of Paris.

RULES LAID DOWN BY THE FRENCH AUTHORITIES
There are a few rules and regulations which need to be followed while cycling in Paris, France.
  -   One should select the bike and test it for mechanical adequacy.
  -   Cycles must be provided with warning apparatus and the registration numbers.
  -   Cyclists have to adopt a moderate pace when passing through streets, crossways or turnings. Cyclists should reduce their speed when crossing isolated habitations because a rate of 16 kilometers an hour is considered excessive in France.
  -   Lastly, cyclists are not allowed to ride on the footpath or on by-ways intended for pedestrians.

CYCLING EVENTS IN PARIS
Being a regular feature in the city, cycling has its own history in Paris. The oldest traditional cycling event in Paris is the Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) which was started in 1891 by a Frenchman named Pierre Giffard to test the skill and endurance of the French. But today the participation has increased to more than 300 riders who come from various countries across the globe. Held every four years in the French capital, the cyclists have to complete 1,200 kilometers race within 90 hours.

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