Capote deux

[backofbeyond]

We can't expect MAG to try to campaign in France, that's for the Frenchies to do.

No, I wouldn't expect them to do that, as you say it's for the French bikers to sort out their own legislation. I was just wondering how they (the BMF in particular) see themselves - whether they think they have a role to play in being a quasi official collator of information like this, a place where we'd automatically go to to find out what we need or whether they don't see it as part of their remit.

They do have a touring section and give some advice -

"Foreign touring is becoming increasingly popular and this section is designed to help you make the most of your trip. It is not meant to be exhaustive but to give you a sound base from which to start."

But their list of "essentials" includes Hi-Viz waistcoat and warning triangle. :unsure:

[Selous]

mm well Im sure there will be details on the ferrys & places for you to buy (expensive) the requierd bits. I will have a look & see if leaflet available bring it back.

must admit last time I went for the weekend 2011 I didnt put the silly black bit over my light :whistle: no one said a this to me.

I do carry a first aid kit
I do have a couple old sam browns, from the mid 70's when i first started riding, might just dig them out or my mate sells on flea bay a 360 degree reflective rucksack. I got it as a freebee never used it, I suppose what if pillion on back wears reflective but ride dont?

[dubber68]

i will be watching this thread with interest as going to stella later in year. I also will need to dig out my Sam brown belt by the looks of it but I also have one of those free rucksacks the police were giving out for the pillion.

[CraigT]

+1 for watching the thread. It's highly likely that I too will be in France at some point and for the sake of a little pocket space, I'll be taking those little 'snap round' ankle/wrist bands that the kids get handed out at school and a lot of city centre cyclists use. I'm sure with a bit of petted lip and innocent looks that the local cops would let you off with a warning on the basis that you produce some reflective strips and apply them at the roadside. They'll fit in the tailpack without notice.

[moto al]

Since Moto Al's discussion on the changes in French motoring requirements has now, understandably, been locked I thought I'd try to start again with a clean slate as the regulations will affect those of us crossing the channel in the coming months.

To kick things off here's a update on a similar thread over in the HUBB site -

GPSs and speedcameras in France

There does seem to be some debate over whether its just active radar detectors or Sat-Navs with POI camera locations that are outlawed, but contributors actually living there say it's only the former.

There's also some info on all the other stuff - hi-viz, first aid kits, bulbs etc. As I understand it, at the moment, on a bike, you don't have to have any hi-viz or carry bulbs or first aid stuff but you do have to have - legal stuff like licence, insurance, V5 log book, GB sticker or Europlate and adapted lights. It's in a car you have to add the other bits.

Anyone know if any of the biking organisations - BMF, MAG or anyone else has tried to draw all of this together through official channels rather than just leaving it for us to muddle through on a self help basis?

hi chaps il keep out of this one I only posted what i read in touren- fahrer .sorry moto al

[NKL990]

When your fully fared bike is loaded up with luggage how much of the rider can actually be seen?

[davsato]

thought it didnt happen till 1/1/13 anyway? so this year youre safe, plenty of time for the french to change their minds. slack chains and bare tyres are ok, but you must have a small reflector on your back even though the bike should have a reflector anyway? doesnt make much sense, even for a euro beuro.

[africajim]

Like Al, I've travelled over Europe by bike for decades and can only tell you of my experiences and what I carry, corresponding to the info I've been told.

I do carry a 1st aid kit, but then I am a Red Cross reg'd 1st aider, I carry spare bulbs and a high vis vest in my tank bag. I carry all my original documents along with my passport. These things have stood me well for over 10yrs crossing France for the Stella, but I will watch this post as EEC reg's change constantly and we'll all have to comply. (My new jacket has high vis incorporated into it (NOT REFLECTIVE MATERIAL, TOTALLY DIFFERENT). Hopefully we'll have all the up to date info by summertime for the trip to the Stella and we can keep on the right side of the law!
Take care out there folks.

[2 wheeled tourist]

Well Tom Tom have already removed speed camera warnings in France, they say they are working on warning of Danger Zones, whatever they may be.

:huh: That's interesting...

[2 wheeled tourist]

We can't expect MAG to try to campaign in France, that's for the Frenchies to do.

Maybe, but we can show each other our support for each other while we are all being screwed into the ground...