Mythbuster: Are cyclists allowed to run red lights in France?

"Cycling has grown more popular in France recently, particularly in the years following the Covid-19 pandemic. In Paris, a 2023 study found that cycling accounted for 11.2 percent of people's daily trips, representing a significant increase from just three percent in 2010. Meanwhile, at a national level, cycling use went up by 39 percent between 2019 and 2022. In urban areas, the increase was 42 percent for this period, while suburban and rural areas saw an increase of 27 percent. according to French government statistics."

"The M12 sign is an upside-down triangle with a yellow bicycle in the middle. There is an arrow below the bicycle, which indicates to cyclists that they can cross a red light in the direction of the arrow. So if the arrow is pointing to the left, then the cyclist cannot cross a red light and continue to go straight on, but they can turn left."

Cycling has increased substantially in France since the Covid-19 pandemic, with Paris rising to 11.2 percent of daily trips in 2023 from three percent in 2010. National cycling use grew 39 percent between 2019 and 2022, with urban areas up 42 percent and suburban and rural areas up 27 percent, per government statistics. Complaints have arisen about cyclists ignoring red lights, while cyclists claim they sometimes have the right to proceed. Cyclists must obey traffic signs but may proceed through a red light when an M12 sign permits; the M12 sign indicates a direction and requires yielding to those with a green light.

Read at The Local France