Paris Bus Lanes and Motorcycles |
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File under Travel France
Author: Mike Werner
Location: Paris, France
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 Front of Bus |
Despite many months of protests by the French Association of Angry Bikers (FFMC), the city of Paris has installed many bus lanes in the country's capital. The bus lanes are wide enough for a bus and 1/2, and are protected by a low barrier along the side, stopping cars from wondering into the bus lane.
With these growing bus lanes, the number of "normal" traffic lanes is decreasing. An obvious lane to take while riding on a motorcycle are these bus lanes. As a biker you are well protected from cars and vans, and we don't really hinder the bus drivers.
But no, the mayor of Paris does not want motorcycles in these lanes. Bicycles are allowed, but motorcycles are not ! Last year, the authorities had to depend on the police force to enforce the rules, by having the police stop motorcyclists who were riding in these lanes, but now, the city has gone high tech.
 Back of Bus |
The RATP (the metro and bus authorities) have started equipping the buses with digital cameras, both in the front and the back. Now, if you are riding in the bus lane, and a bus is behind you, the drive presses a button, a digital photo is taken, and you'll receive your fine at home a few days later.
The only advantage we have so far, is that the bus drivers themselves don't seem to mind motorcycle in the lanes, and are very reluctant to make the snap shots....
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