Cycling in France

Thank you very much, that’s a really useful route planner

While, as a Dutchman familiar with France, me too I think taking a breathiliser as a cyclist is ridiculous, I was happy that ​@Alison S asked the question. It shows that this is an international and diverse community, which comes with different assumptions or expectations. 

I had never thought about it until 5 minutes ago, but I could image that with the ever growing presence of electric bicycles, and the danger they pose in busy areas, alcohol-checks might be the next step to ensure other peoples’s safety. 

Thanks for your considerate replies, but I don’t believe this question is as daft as it first seems. After a bit of online research I’ve discovered that the requirement for drivers in France to carry a breathyliser was scrapped (could have been in 2012 or 2020, anyway it’s gone now and I spelt it wrong!). However in theory the amount of alcohol permitted, 0.5g/l, also applies for cyclists so you can see how I made that connection.

Also living in England I am accustomed to a higher limit, it’s 0.8g/l here, so even though I’m actually a light drinker 0.5g/l is pretty much zero tolerance (especially if you are a small female). This site https://etsc.eu/issues/drink-driving/blood-alcohol-content-bac-drink-driving-limits-across-europe/ seems to give a decent summary, except it’s still not quite right as limits for Scotland are different from the rest of the UK and similar to other European countries.

As for attitudes to ebikes (probably more on topic for this group) ebikes are permitted on trains in UK network except for Transport for London who recently banned non foldable ebikes (seen as a fire risk on the underground). You can see attitudes changing towards ebikes on trains.

Indeed, different assumptions or expectations. It might be something very British even, those liability, security, health and safety concerns. Most other Europeans find Brits a bit too intense in that 😉.

Yes, cyclists are considered as drivers of a vehicle and yes they have to apply by the traffic rules and signals.

Reality is quite pragmatic. Being slightly intoxicated on a bike isn’t a problem. Only if you’re disruptive, putting yourself and/or others into danger you’ll need to explain it to the police. But otherwise they won’t care, wherever you are in Europe. Feel free to enjoy a drink a nice terrace you come across your bike tour.

Your bike needs proper brakes and lighting, sometimes a helmet or hi-vis jacket, otherwise not much else you can or need to take or do.

Just hop on the bike, enjoy the breeze in your hair and your holiday. 

And feel free to let us know how cycable the region is there, quite curious and I have distant plans to do that myself by bike :)

As far as I know, no specific legislation about e-bikes on trains elsewhere in Europe. Just apply the general rule for battery-charging devices: don’t leave it charge unattended and plug out when fully charged. That way you take away most of the (fire) risks.