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Riding in France - HELP!
In spring this year the gf and myself are going to France. Not far into France, just Normandy to have a look around and see what France is like. I'm quite looking forward to it, but I'm unsure about riding in France.
The first problem is the French, ALL of them, drive on the wrong side of the road. It's such a problem that the cars in France have the steering wheel on the wrong side of the car! I experienced the same problem in Spain and found it easier and safer to ride on the wrong side of the road too. It's OK when you get used to it, except for roundabouts and junctions can still be somewhat confusing. Still, it'd be a whole lot easier if they just learnt to drive on the left, the correct side of the road. I mean...how ignorant!
Then in France they have this "Priorité à Droite" thing. In the UK, the equivalent would be "Priority for the Left". Imagine if you will in the UK your flying down a road when a car suddenly pulls out from the left, right in front of you. It does happen, normally follwed by "Sorry pal, didn't see you...". Now imagine that he says "My right of way, what the hell ya think you're doing?" Yep. In France a car pulling out from the right, and they drive on the right, may, possibly, sometimes, has right of way.
A brief look around the net as to the rules...does NOT help. It seems it's no longer law but still practiced in some places. There's signs to say if it does or does not apply, but generally no-one seems to follow the signs. Road markings can indicate who has what priority, but then they can be ignored or too faded to see. I mean, urgh, what the hell do you do?
Again unlike the UK they have different speed limits depending of it's raining or not. I mean it's not like the UK speed signage is easy to follow but 2 speed limits?!
According to the net the Frech at least like bikers. In the UK we are second class road users to be ignored and pushed around, in France we may even be revered! I'll believe it when I see it. Speeding in France can carry on the spot fines and I've also learnt that I can get UK points on my UK licence for offences commited in France.
If you've got any experience, tips, advice and helpful comments, please add them below.
HELP!
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