yello Posted September 9, 2007 Share Posted September 9, 2007 I've had more incidents of this in the last few days here in France than I would have encountered in months, maybe years, riding in the UK. Coming around a roundabout, traffic joining just sails blissfully on in front of me.Is this the old 'priorité à droite' rule in practice? Or are bikes just fair game! [:D]That said, the general consideration shown for bikes is way more here than in the UK. Just another reason I'm finding riding way more enjoyable here than in the UK (the south east especially). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugsy Posted September 9, 2007 Share Posted September 9, 2007 Hi yello,Sounds like you need a bigger bike........................with ECILOP written on the front..[:D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anton Redman Posted September 9, 2007 Share Posted September 9, 2007 When I first drove as opposed to rode in France there simply were not roundabouts. These days they are everywhere but you can be pretty sure if you enter in the left hand lane there is a good chance anything in the right hand lane will turn left and take the third exit - the only people who check locally ( Bordeaux) are bending bus drivers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnOther Posted September 9, 2007 Share Posted September 9, 2007 I too find that the French have an odd approach to roundabouts where there are 2 lanes in, aound and out.As AR has noted, almost irrespective or where they propose exiting they tend to approach in the right lane, stay in it around the roundabout then either attempt to exit into the left hand lane or immediately switch from right to left.There are some weird and wonderful gyroscopic inventions in Colchester this one being an absolute gem:[IMG]http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p123/biskitboyo/Roundabout1.jpg[/IMG]closely followed up by this one:[IMG]http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p123/biskitboyo/Roundabout2.jpg[/IMG]And these are the traffic signs for them.http://www.youhaventlived.com/qblog/2005/QBlog160705A.htmlI think somebody was on the whacky baccky [blink] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yello Posted September 10, 2007 Author Share Posted September 10, 2007 The 2nd one reminds me of High Wycombe, or Swindon's 'magic roundabout'. The 1st one would do my head in! Guess it's easier when you're on it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugsy Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 Hi yello, where are you based? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yello Posted September 10, 2007 Author Share Posted September 10, 2007 Near the Creuse valley in south Indre.Oh, and we have moles. And I intend to leave them be! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugsy Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 Nice area, but a bit too far to join us on our ride-outs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daisymay Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 Having checked the "code de la route" roundabouts should be treated exactly as in the UK. Do you think the French are taught the rules or do they just get taught to pass their test? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clair Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 Up to a few years ago, drivers entering a roundabout had priority over those already in the roundabout. When inside the roundabout, the aim is to get to the desired exit and any shortcut is allowed.That's how the great majority of current French drivers were taught.This changed a few years ago (date?) and they are having to remember to look left before entering, which is already contrary to the normal run of things, as they usually look right according to the Priorité à droite... Asking them to respect lane traffic on top of that, is akin to expecting them to stop for pedestrians waiting at a crossing![:P]Drive defensively, expect the worse... but, as a biker, I guess you already do that anyway... [:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beemer1150 Posted November 17, 2007 Share Posted November 17, 2007 but you're a smaller, moving target and can out accelerate the blighters...Interesting though - in the diesel camper you just pull out anyway (the smoke screen helps..); in the car you sort of compromise.. and on the bike you just out run them! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunday Driver Posted November 18, 2007 Share Posted November 18, 2007 Surprise them with a wheelie - gets their attention......[;-)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bones Posted November 18, 2007 Share Posted November 18, 2007 I feel exactly the same way - and I'm in a car!The French know the rules but the schema just isn't there, for reasons already pointed out.My method:I see a gap, I dart for the inside lane and then hope that they pay heed to my right indicator when I want to exit: it's like that old video game Frogger (no pun intended).The French method (around our way):You pull out - zen like - onto the outside lane, gradually picking up speed (to put other punters off), you then stay in the outside lane until your preferred exit appears.I can only imagine how exciting it is on a bike! [:-))] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnOther Posted November 19, 2007 Share Posted November 19, 2007 [quote user="yello"]The 1st one would do my head in! Guess it's easier when you're on it![/quote]Errr, no, not really ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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