HOW TO TAKE YOUR BIKE TO FRANCE
RICHARD PEACE “CYCLISTS ARE SUBJECT TO THE SAME ALCOHOL LIMITS AS OTHER ROAD USERS IN FRANCE”
“Last September, Eurostar changed its pricing to help manage the summer rush, meaning if you’re in the habit of booking last minute, you could end up paying £55 each way. If planning in advance (180–121 days), bike bookings are £30 each way when boxed (£25 for Cycling UK members). Eurostar’s supplied boxes are safe and secure, plus there’s a breakdown area with stand and tools in London and Paris. If your tour is ending in Paris but your holiday doesn’t, Eurostar can also store your bike for you.
“You don’t have to box your bike as every train can take up to two fully assembled bikes – it’s £35 each way for early bookings, rising to £55. These spaces run out swiftly, so book well in advance. If travelling to Paris, you could use your own bike bag. In this case it’s classified as luggage and can cost either £30 or £40.
An alternative is Eurotunnel (Folkestone-Calais). It goes twice daily and each way costs £20 for you and your bike.” (For more info see: cyclinguk.org/Eurostar)
AUTHOR VELOSCENIC AND CYCLING FRANCE (EXCELLENT BOOKS WWW.BIKERIDEMAPS.CO.UK)
“Familiarise yourself with some of the nuances of cycling in France before you go so you are prepared for them once you arrive for the first time. For example, traffic lights. Unlike in the UK, in France the lights go directly from red to green – but go amber between green and red. Red plus an amber flashing arrow pointing right means you can turn right but must give way. Green plus a flashing yellow means proceed but give way to crossing traffic/pedestrians. Cycle paths in France are indicated by a white bicycle on a blue circle – and MUST be used instead of the road. When the sign is on a rectangular background it’s optional. The old rule of the road, priority from the right, may apply in the absence of other signs at junctions. On single-file roads, cyclists should keep a safe distance apart. Cyclists can ride two-abreast during daylight – but single file is obligatory at night. Cyclists are subject to the same alcohol limits as other road users in France – which are lower than those permitted in the UK.”
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