Cycle paths and bus lanes

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Cycle paths D7, D9 and bus lanes: who may use them, when a car driver is allowed in, and what remains strictly prohibited.

Cover, Cycle paths and bus lanes

Lesson objectives

Understand specific obligations for cycle paths and bus lanes Identify mandatory signs reserved for these lanes and their exceptions Apply traffic rules according to the type of user authorised

Cycle paths: obligation and exceptions

The cycle path is a lane reserved for cyclists and class A moped drivers. Sign D7 imposes mandatory use of this path: cyclists and mopedists must use it rather than the ordinary roadway. However, additional panels may specify exceptions . Some users (bicycles, class A mopeds, speed pedelecs) may be exempt from this obligation and choose to drive elsewhere.

D7

Sign D7 indicates a mandatory cycle path. Cyclists and class A moped drivers must use this path and not the roadway. Other vehicles are not allowed access. Class B mopedists may only ride on it outside built-up areas, and they are required to do so outside built-up areas if there is no contrary additional sign.

M1

Additional panels of models M bear black text and symbols on white background (art. 65.2). The text clarifies their use: M1 or M8 completes signals B1 and B5 when these concern only cyclists, or cyclists and two-wheeled mopedists (art. 67.4.2°). It is therefore not the 'except cyclists' sign seen under a no entry sign.

M3

Under a no entry sign, it is M2 that plays this role: article 68.4 requires completing C1 with a model M2 panel when the prohibition does not apply to cyclists. M3 adds two-wheeled class A mopeds, M11 adds speed pedelecs, and M12 adds class A mopeds and speed pedelecs. The same rule applies to signals C3 and C31.

M5

Article 65.2 adds a placement clarification: except in local circumstances, panels M2 to M5 respectively complete signals C1 and F19, the first two for no entry, the next two for one-way public roads. This is what allows the contraflow cycle lane: a one-way street that cyclists can travel up.

Cyclist using a cycle path in an urban area

Shared lanes: pedestrians and cyclists

Two neighboring signals: D9 , part of the public road reserved for the circulation of pedestrians, bicycles and class A two-wheeled mopeds ; D10 , part of the public road reserved for the circulation of pedestrians and cyclists , without mopeds. It is the presence or absence of class A mopeds that distinguishes them, and this is exactly what the exam requires.

D9 - Lane reserved for pedestrians and bicycles

D9, Part of the public road reserved for the circulation of pedestrians, bicycles and class A two-wheeled mopeds. Class A mopeds are therefore permitted there, unlike D10. Speed pedelec drivers may, under the conditions of article 9.1.2, use the cycle path marked with a D9.

D10

D10, Part of the public road reserved for the circulation of pedestrians and cyclists. It is a shared path exclusively between pedestrians and cyclists. Mopeds are not permitted. The cyclist must adapt their speed and give priority to pedestrians. No motorized vehicle is permitted.

M7

Shared pedestrian-bicycle path. This sign indicates that bicycles and pedestrians share the same path. The cyclist must slow down and give priority to pedestrians.

M10

A shared path between bicycles and pedestrians. This sign indicates that cyclists and pedestrians use the same space. Each must respect the traffic rules that apply to their category.

Shared pedestrian and cyclist path in the city center

Bus lanes: road reserved for buses

Article 72.5 describes the bus lane : it is delimited by signal F17 and by one or two wide broken white lines or checkered markings . And the text adds a decisive sentence: the bus lane is not part of the roadway . It is not reserved for buses only. In addition to regular public transport vehicles, the following are permitted, provided the symbol or mention appears on the F17 or on an additional sign , school transport vehicles, taxis , bicycles , mopeds , motorcycles , vehicles with more than eight seats, commuter vehicles, those occupied by at least 2, 3 or 4 people, those promoting sustainable mobility and those carrying disabled persons.

Bus lane

Bus lane (art. 72.5): road delimited by signal F17 and wide broken white lines or a checkered pattern; it is not part of the roadway. Other vehicles may use it to avoid an obstacle on the roadway, to change direction at the immediate approach of an intersection, to cross it at an intersection, or to cross it to access a neighboring property or parking space located along the lane.

Bus lane reserved in urban areas

Exceptions and additional signs

Additional signs clarify the application of the main signal (art. 65.2 ): they supplement, clarify or limit its meaning. Two form rules to know: inscription or symbol white on blue background as a general rule, but black on white background , models M1 to M24 , as soon as they concern bicycles , personal mobility devices or class A two-wheeled mopeds . These symbols can be combined on a single sign.

In the exam: read the additional signs carefully

Do not stop at the main sign. Systematically check if there is a white additional sign below. Exam questions often test your ability to identify these exceptions. An additional sign can completely change the meaning of the obligation.

Distinction: obligation vs information

Obligation signs (blue circle, blue background) impose a behavior. Information signs (rectangle, white or blue background) inform only. Do not confuse a F19 sign (one-way, information) with a D1 sign (mandatory direction, obligation). In the exam, this distinction is tested regularly.

Key points to remember

D7 : mandatory cycle path. Cyclists and class A mopedists must follow it provided it is marked in the direction they are traveling , and may leave it to change direction, overtake or avoid an obstacle (art. 9.1.2). D9 : pedestrians, bicycles and class A mopeds . D10 : pedestrians and cyclists only. Bus lane (F17, art. 72.5) : it is not part of the roadway ; other categories are permitted if the symbol appears on the sign, and any driver may cross it at an intersection or to access a neighboring property. Special crossable site (F18, art. 72.6) : same logic, with wide continuous lines or a checkered pattern; it is also not part of the roadway. Additional signs : white on blue background, except those for bicycles, personal mobility devices and class A two-wheeled mopeds, black on white background , models M1 to M24.

Congratulations!

First take the quiz for this lesson to validate your learning, then practice with the exam simulator and multiple choice questions . You have completed this entire course. Congratulations, now it's time to practice!

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