Plan your itinerary An up-to-date street map of Paris is essential, since many of the city's streets are one-way. The city provides a free map highlighting the cycling lanes. (Available from the Hôtel de Ville public information desk, located off rue de Rivoli). Think ahead Watch for cars turning right at an intersection. If there is a lane reserved for bikes, you can make a right-hand turn at a red light. Buying a bike All bikes are different. It's important to know how you're going to use the bike before choosing one. Never go for looks. Make sure the bike suits your needs. Locking your bike Park on the big boulevards rather than small streets, in well lit areas. Use two locks to protect your bike frame and both wheels. If you're parking it outside overnight, remove the seat and front wheel. Although the Slinky-like "Flex" locks are good for locking your bike up around odd shaped objects, such as tree trunks or parking meters, they're also the easiest to cut in half. Street smarts When biking down busy streets, keep an eye out for pedestrians cutting through parked cars. Try to watch for opening car doors. Bike gear Wear bright colored clothing such as a rain coat or "bike messenger bag" to help you stand out at night and catch the attention of a driver concentrating more on his portable phone conversation than the traffic. |
