The is a new craze in parts of France and Spain. On straight roads between roundabouts and traffic lights the challenge for young men on high power racing motorbikes is to overtake a whole string of cars delayed and bunched up by the traffic lights.
The challenge is to ride down the single continuous center line (the equivalent of a double white line in Britain) at high speed (there is usually a 50kph/30mph speed limit), to do this they have to put their bikes in the equivalent of 2nd gear and accelerate until the engine sounds like a buzz saw.
Under this acceleration the bike goes like a rocket but loses fine steering control.
It is now unsafe to turn left off any major road, as you wait a motorbike going the other way may drive into the front of your car or bounce off the side. I was waiting to turn into the road leading to my campsite when this happened to me on my first day in France. After bouncing off the side of my car the motorbike and rider executed a triple somersault before coming to rest.
If you need to turn left into a side road, even if your Sat Nav tells you to turn left, go past the junction to next roundabout and come back. This is the advice the numerous campervan drivers gave me on their way back from Spain.
You may notice (on the Rue de Paris outside Rouen for example) straight sections of road between roundabouts with temporary no overtaking signs, I think these are places that have already had accidents.
Having a road traffic accident in France is a pain even if the car is not badly damaged and it's not your fault, so please watch out for dangerous racing motorbikes and beware of that buzz saw sound.
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If there is a continuous white line on centre of road you should not do a left turn unless there are broken white lines opposite turning. Sounds like normal loony biker antics you find in any country. How was the biker you hit ?
There were no road markings in the junction.
I was stationary at the time of the accident, and had been stationary while several cars passed.
The motorcyclist broke his leg and wrist.
From the nearby campsite we could hear motorbikes buzz saw acceleration on an almost hourly basis.
I dont think you even need a licence to drive those little scooter things the teens buzz about on. They are supposed to be speed limited but I think it is easy enough take out the limiter. At least he werent killed so lets hope he learnt a lesson.
If you are old enough you might recall the Velosolex mopeds. I think you were allowed to drive them from age 14 back in the day.
Another thing to look out for is those little Aixams chugging along with the bumpers held on with gaffer tape. They can be driven sans permis as well. The driver has probably lost his licence from drink driving which takes a few goes in France so he will probably be well tanked.
Post last edited on 13/07/2022 20:03:08
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As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
21 year old Aixam Convertible in pitch behind us, quite a smokey little fellow.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Racing Motobikes Hazard
via mobile 13/7/2022 at 5:12pm
