Cycle route -
A cycle route is a continuous, long-distance trail intended for cycling that is well marked, safe, made up of Greenways, low-traffic roads, cycle lanes and paths.
Guide to Using Cycle Routes
Greenways:
A route reserved exclusively for non-motorised vehicles, such as bicycles; pedestrians, ranging from those on rollerblades and accessible to persons with reduced mobility.
Horseback riders can be authorised to use these roads on the condition that the following sign appears in addition to the Greenways sign.
Greenways are therefore dedicated bi-directional, 3 to 5m wide paths that are for the exclusive use by those using environmentally-friendly means of transport.
Greenways are to be shared by all types of users, therefore each person should be considerate of others.
Cycle path:
These roads are reserved for use by two- or three-wheel cycles.
Cycle paths are dedicated paths that are physically separated from the road. They may be one- or two-ways. Their width is usually between 2.5 and 3m for two-way paths and between 1.5 and 2m for one-way paths.
No entry for all users other than those on two- or three-wheel cycles.
Cycle lanes:
These lanes are exclusively reserved for two- or three-wheel cycles on roads with multiple lanes.
Cycle lanes are 1.5m wide, one-way lanes that are intrinsically part of the roadway and are dedicated exclusively to cycles.
Shared lane:
This is a term that indicates that the cycle trail follows existing roads that are used by motor vehicles. In general, these are low-traffic roads with moderate speeds.
Signs may help to remind motorists to be aware of cyclists and to share the road.
Pedestrian areas
Cyclists may use pedestrian zones unless otherwise indicated, as long as they maintain a pedestrian’s pace and do not create a nuisance for pedestrians.
Qu’est ce qu’une véloroute et une voie verte.pdf
Guide to enjoying the Greenways cycle routes in Haute-Savoie safely
The Haute-Savoie General Council is investing in cycling so as to promote the practice in Haute-Savoie and to make it safer.
Some rules have been imposed so that everyone, from families to cycling enthusiasts, can enjoy using these marked routes and cycling infrastructure, .
REMINDER: In France, cycles are subject to the same rules as vehicles according to the highway code.
They must use the road or other paths intended for cycles, therefore:
- FOLLOW THE HIGHWAY CODE
- Dismount and walk your bicycle when on sidewalks (except children under 8)
- Dismount and walk your bicycle when crossing pedestrian crossing
- You may cycle in pedestrian zones as long as you keep to a pedestrian’s pace.
In cycle lanes, PAY ATTENTION and BE CAREFUL of motor vehicle traffic.
On cycle paths, KEEP RIGHT and share the path with other cyclists.
On Greenways, SHARE THE ROAD, because these are intended for a variety of users employing environmentally-friendly means of transport: pedestrians, people on cycles, persons with reduced mobility, and in some cases, horse riders.
Marked trails and mountain passes with exceptional climbs in Haute-Savoie using departmental roads may see significant traffic increases in the summer: BE CAREFUL
Equipment:
« “Take care of your equipment and it will take care of you.”
A well-maintained bicycle guarantees safety and fun.
- Cyclists are not required to wear a helmet, but it is strongly recommended
- Cycles must be equipped with a bell
- Cycles must be equipped with reflectors, both at night and during the day
- Cycles must be equipped with front and rear lights at night or when visibility is low
- Cyclists are required to wear a reflective vest when cycling at night outside of built-up areas.
We hope you enjoy exploring Haute-Savoie on bicycle.
Why we love it:
Cycling regularly is a healthy activity.
The development of green means of transport is good for the environment.
(File: Guide de bonne pratique sur les véloroutes Voies Vertes de Haute-Savoie pdf)
Dépliant sécurité routière - circuler à vélo.pdf
(1.08 MB)