In Toulouse, “cyclists and grounds” panels had been installed on a bike path in early 2025. Quickly deemed ambiguous and non -compliant, they were removed. This controversy illustrates a well -established belief: to respect a stop, the bike should put a foot. However, this idea is not based on any official text.
What the highway code says
Article R415-6 of the Highway Code is clear:
“At certain intersections indicated by a so -called stop signaling, any driver must mark a stop time at the limit of the pavement discussed. He must then give in the passage …”
A cyclist being legally a driver, he is subject to this obligation. But the law speaks of complete immobilization, no ground support. The “foot to the ground” does not appear anywhere in the code.
Stop, not balance
Concretely, the cyclist must mark a net stop. It does not matter that it remains in balance by practicing a “standing track” (stop on the spot by slightly swinging the handlebars) or that it sets a foot on the ground. What matters is that he stops moving forward before leaving. On the other hand, crossing the STOP in the idle, without total immobilization, is indeed an offense.
Certain local panels recommending the foot on the ground are more of the educational initiative than the regulations. They may have a value of prudence, but not of a legal character. As such, their installation is often disputed and sometimes withdrawn, as was the case in Toulouse.
But in practice, the misunderstanding persists, because for many, putting the foot would be the only visible proof of a stop. However, a cyclist who stands out briefly without making him respect the law. In the event of verbalization, only the lack of real judgment can be punished, not keeping both feet on the pedals.
A salty fine
In the event of non-compliance with a stop, the sanction is clearly provided for in article R415-6 of the Highway Code. The constant crossing constitutes a 4ᵉ class ticket, liable to a flat -rate fine of 135 euros (reduced to 90 euros if it is paid rapidly, and which can be increased to 375 euros in the event of an increase). For motorists, this offense also results in a withdrawal of 4 points on the driving license, as well as a possible suspension of up to three years. For cyclists, the principle remains the same: the fine applies, even if no loss of points comes into play, since the bicycle does not require a license.
🟣 To not miss any news on the Geek newspaper, subscribe to Google News and on our WhatsApp. And if you love us, we have a newsletter every morning.
