Filtering in France and camping

[stolzy]

Filtering is not only not illegal in France, its practically compulsory.
Driver will pull over to let you by and its discourteous not to oblige.

This follows the general axiom in France that anything not explicity permitted is prohibited and everything permitted is compulsory (OK, I exaggerate to make a point)

In contrast in the despicable laisse-faire world of the Anglo-Saxon where everything is permitted unless it is specifically forbidden.

 

[thornley]

It was pretty quiet until a couple of weeks ago, now full of Northern tourists coming for the early sunshine. Amazing amount of Brits, Belgians, Dutch, Germans around. What happened to the economic crisis?

Those with money are still spending. I've noticed the average age has gone up and tend to be middle aged couples. House prices on smaller properties are still rising as some seem to be seeing it as a better investment than the banks. When you're getting 1 or 2 percent from the banks why not spend?

 

[steve'o]

I knew I didn't dream it!

http://ukfrancebikers.com/2010/03/14/french-motorcyclists-more-angry-than-ever/

40,000 bikers were protesting about it so it's not exactly been kept quiet. Probably overshadowed now with all the talk about HiVis/breathalysers/etc.

I will be going to La Rochelle to visit brother then down to Milau for a few days riding, so that is the area where I will be looking to camp.

 

[franco]

There was another big protest last year all over the place, but Paris was gridlocked. Some good video footage of the chaos here.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/EEP35DIPJJs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[THE PICT]

Regarding filtering in germany, Ive been over loads of times and everyone seems very aware of bikes filtering. Only problem Ive had was with a uk reg car who refused point black to shift for me,infact he purposley tried to stop me. Dont kno if its legal or not but I do it anyway and never been pulled,even passed a few german cop cars in traffic and they didnt even bat an eyelid.

 

[AlanI]

Regarding filtering in germany,.........Dont kno if its legal or not but I do it anyway and never been pulled,even passed a few german cop cars in traffic and they didnt even bat an eyelid.

Yes it most certainly is illegal, BUT, like most things in life, when executed carefully and showing a bit of consideration for other road users more often than not a blind eye will be shown.
Irrespective of what is and what's not illegal, it's not the typical cop cars that you have to watch out for but the unmarked one's with crews wearing civilian clothes. With them, the word mercy has no meaning.

 

[Jonnirocket]

I'm off to France on Thursday evening and am wondering whether the ban on filtering or lane splitting is still in place. I seem to remember that the government decided to do a u turn about it after one of the mass demo rides and was going to legalise it. Did they do a second u turn or has it just all been forgotten about? Hopefully someone here knows the current situation.

Also are the camp-sites likely to be open at this time of year or will i end up having to camp covertly?!

The other thing the French are hot on is stopping at a stop sign, make sure you stop your wheels don't bimble through. I know a few Brits that have been done for this...

 

[Wapping]

The other thing the French are hot on is stopping at a stop sign....

EUR 90 is the current going rate. A figure that just happens to near enough equal one night in a hotel, with a bit of tucker and a beer.