SETTLING IN - CultureShock! A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette: France - page 133

But for those not devoted to La Petite Reine (the little
queen) as she is known, the law also favours two-wheeled
vehicles over four-wheeled vehicles in the courts. So, if an
automobile hits a bicycle in France, he is apt to have to pay
the damages, regardless of who was at fault.
For three decades of riding a bicycle in Paris trafi c, no one
has ever blown their horn, waved their i st or shouted at me.
The French love their petite reine and they give her room. As
a result, Paris trafi c is manageable on a bicycle, at least to
an alert and seasoned urban cyclist. I recommend it, though
I wear a helmet (still not á la mode in Paris).
The countryside of France is nothing short of magnii cent
on a bicycle (that is another book.) The SNCF allows you to
bring your bicycle on most suburban trains and to check it
into baggage when you are travelling longer distances. It also
rents bicycles at most of the major train stations.
The fellows on the SNCF are getting younger, and more of them speak
English, and look, they smile!