Mandatory equipment for bicycles

Every cyclist and every user of a transport device must ensure that the equipment on their vehicle complies with the Highway Code (Code de la route). This applies to conventional bicycles as well as pedal-assisted and electric bicycles.

The following mandatory equipment also serves the safety of the cyclist:

• A bell (1), audible from a distance of at least 50 metres (Art. 38 of the Highway Code).
• Bicycles must be equipped with two independent braking systems (2) that act equally on each wheel (Art. 32).
• At the front: a white or amber light (3) with a luminous intensity of at least 10 lux. Lighting systems fitted to electrically powered micro-vehicles must be switched on both during the day and at night (Art. 43bis).
• On the spokes of two-wheelers (4): at least two white or amber reflectors, facing each other, or tyres with reflective white or amber sidewalls. If it is not technically possible to fit side reflectors on electrically powered micro-vehicles, tapes or other reflective devices must either be fixed to both sides of the vehicle or attached to the driver's clothing (Art. 43bis).
• On both pedals (5): white or yellow rear reflectors of a non-triangular shape (Art. 43bis). If it is technically impossible to attach them to the pedals, these reflectors must be attached to the back of the rider's shoes in the form of reflective yellow or white strips (Art. 43bis).
• Rear: a red reflector (6), which must not be triangular (Art. 43bis).
• Rear: a red rear light (7) with at least 10 lux. In poor visibility conditions and from dusk to dawn, as well as during the day if atmospheric conditions so require, the red rear lights of a small electric vehicle must be clearly visible at a height of at least 40 cm from the ground. If the vehicle is not equipped with such lighting, equivalent lighting devices may be carried by the driver (Art. 43bis).
• If the lights cause glare, they must be fitted with a device to switch off the glare (Art. 43bis).

On bicycles such as mountain bikes (MTB), the white or amber light at the front can be replaced by a white reflector and the red light at the rear is optional. However, from dusk until dawn and during the day, if atmospheric conditions require it, the presence of the above-mentioned front and rear lights is mandatory.

Even if there is no legal obligation, the police recommend wearing a helmet. The helmet must be securely fastened with straps and must not interfere with driving. It should also not cover the ears so that the surrounding noise can be heard. Wearing headphones or other devices that impair the perception of traffic noise is strictly prohibited.

Like motorcyclists, cyclists are also more vulnerable in the event of an accident. It is therefore imperative that cyclists adopt a passive riding style and comply with the Highway Code (Code la route).

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