Can I cycle on the pavement?
No, except for children under 8. Under the Highway Code, pavements are for pedestrians: an adult cyclist can't ride on them. The only exception: children under 8 may use the pavement, at a moderate pace and without disturbing pedestrians. Cyclists must use cycle paths and lanes where they exist, otherwise the road. If a road feels too dangerous, you can get off and push the bike: you're then a pedestrian and may use the pavement.
📋 The rules
- Pavement for pedestrians — cycling banned
- Exception: children under 8, at a moderate pace
- Use cycle paths/lanes or, failing that, the road
- Pushing the bike on foot: you become a pedestrian (pavement allowed)
- The mayor can authorise certain local arrangements
🔓 Exceptions
- Children under 8, without disturbing pedestrians
- Pushing your bike by hand = pedestrian status
- Pedestrian zones: cycling tolerated at walking pace, without disturbing pedestrians
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Cycling on the pavement (for an adult) is an offence punished by a €135 fine, reduced to €90 if paid within 15 days and raised to €375 after 45 days. No points are lost (the bike isn't subject to the licence). An adult also can't ride on the pavement to accompany a child under 8: they must stay on the road or get off the bike.
📎 Official sources
- Road safety · Cycling rules for cyclists →
- Service-Public.fr · Cycling rules →
- Légifrance · Highway Code (cycle circulation) →
❓ Frequently asked
Are you allowed to cycle on the pavement?
No, except for children under 8, at a moderate pace and without disturbing pedestrians. Pavements are for pedestrians. Cyclists must use cycle paths or, failing that, the road.
What's the fine for cycling on the pavement?
€135, reduced to €90 if paid within 15 days and raised to €375 after 45 days. No points are lost, the bike not being subject to the licence. The rule applies to adults.
Can a parent cycle on the pavement with their child?
No. Only the child under 8 may be on the pavement. The accompanying adult must stay on the road or cycle lane, or get off the bike and push it by hand.
What if the road is dangerous?
You can get off your bike and push it by hand: you're then a pedestrian and may use the pavement legally. As soon as you get back on, the pavement is off-limits again.
And in a pedestrian zone?
Cycling is generally tolerated there, but at a very low (walking) pace and without disturbing pedestrians, who have priority. Local signs set the rules specific to each pedestrian zone.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “cycling pavement banned fine”
- “bike on pavement child 8”
- “fine cycling pavement 135”
- “cyclist pavement highway code”
- “cycle lane mandatory”
- “push bike pedestrian”