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How to cycle like a local in Paris (for newcomers)

Just arrived in Paris? One of the best ways to feel at home fast is by hopping on a bike. Cycling gives you freedom, flexibility, and a new perspective on the city. But riding here comes with its own pace and style. Here’s how to cycle like a local, even if you just unpacked your suitcase.

Published

Jul 23, 2025

Step 1: Start with the right bike

Buying a bike right after moving isn’t always practical. That’s why many locals use services like Swapfiets in Paris, where you get a high-quality city bike or e-bike with repairs and maintenance included. If anything goes wrong, they fix or swap the bike for you. Easy, predictable, and no surprises, perfect for settling in.

Step 2: Learn the local riding style

Parisians ride with confidence. That doesn’t mean fast or reckless, it means they own the lane, make decisions quickly, and ride with flow.

To blend in:

Ride predictably, not hesitantly
Signal your turns with your hand
Ring your bell politely but firmly
Don’t block the lane if you need to stop, pull aside

You’ll notice locals rarely wait around. That doesn’t mean ignoring rules, just being efficient and focused.

Step 3: Know the rules

Yes, cycling in Paris is legal and safe, but there are rules to follow:

Helmet: optional, but smart
Lights: mandatory at night (white front, red back)
Sidewalks: off-limits, unless clearly marked for bikes
Bike lanes: use them! They’re everywhere now

Apps like Geovelo help you plan safe, quiet routes using the growing network of pistes cyclables.

Step 4: Think beyond the commute

Biking in Paris isn’t just about getting to work. It’s the best way to explore your new home. Ride along the Seine, discover new cafés, stop at a market, or find your favourite shortcut through the backstreets of Le Marais. You’ll feel like a local in no time, and you won’t be stuck underground.

Step 5: Go electric if you need a boost

Still adjusting to the pace of the city, or facing longer rides? Consider an e-bike. It gives you an extra push up hills and makes even long-distance trips smooth. With Swapfiets, battery service and repairs are included, so you don’t need to worry about anything technical.

Step 6: Be prepared for Paris weather

Rain happens. But locals don’t stop riding, they just dress for it. A light raincoat, waterproof bag, and fenders make all the difference. You’ll stay mobile while others wait under the bus shelter.

Step 7: Save money (and even earn some)

Cycling is way cheaper than a Navigo metro pass (€84/month). With Swapfiets starting at very affordable rates, you keep more money for food, fun, and whatever else you’re discovering.

Tip: You can even refer friends and earn up credit. That’s months of riding, on the house.

Step 1: Start with the right bike

Step 2: Learn the local riding style

Parisians ride with confidence. That doesn’t mean fast or reckless, it means they own the lane, make decisions quickly, and ride with flow.

To blend in:

Ride predictably, not hesitantly
Signal your turns with your hand
Ring your bell politely but firmly
Don’t block the lane if you need to stop, pull aside

You’ll notice locals rarely wait around. That doesn’t mean ignoring rules, just being efficient and focused.

Step 3: Know the rules

Yes, cycling in Paris is legal and safe, but there are rules to follow:

Helmet: optional, but smart
Lights: mandatory at night (white front, red back)
Sidewalks: off-limits, unless clearly marked for bikes
Bike lanes: use them! They’re everywhere now

Apps like Geovelo help you plan safe, quiet routes using the growing network of pistes cyclables.

Step 4: Think beyond the commute

Step 5: Go electric if you need a boost

Step 6: Be prepared for Paris weather

Step 7: Save money (and even earn some)

Cycling is way cheaper than a Navigo metro pass (€84/month). With Swapfiets starting at very affordable rates, you keep more money for food, fun, and whatever else you’re discovering.

Tip: You can even refer friends and earn up credit. That’s months of riding, on the house.

Step 1: Start with the right bike

Step 2: Learn the local riding style

Parisians ride with confidence. That doesn’t mean fast or reckless, it means they own the lane, make decisions quickly, and ride with flow.

To blend in:

Ride predictably, not hesitantly
Signal your turns with your hand
Ring your bell politely but firmly
Don’t block the lane if you need to stop, pull aside

You’ll notice locals rarely wait around. That doesn’t mean ignoring rules, just being efficient and focused.

Step 3: Know the rules

Yes, cycling in Paris is legal and safe, but there are rules to follow:

Helmet: optional, but smart
Lights: mandatory at night (white front, red back)
Sidewalks: off-limits, unless clearly marked for bikes
Bike lanes: use them! They’re everywhere now

Apps like Geovelo help you plan safe, quiet routes using the growing network of pistes cyclables.

Step 4: Think beyond the commute

Step 5: Go electric if you need a boost

Step 6: Be prepared for Paris weather

Step 7: Save money (and even earn some)

Cycling is way cheaper than a Navigo metro pass (€84/month). With Swapfiets starting at very affordable rates, you keep more money for food, fun, and whatever else you’re discovering.

Tip: You can even refer friends and earn up credit. That’s months of riding, on the house.

About Swapfiets

Swapfiets is the world’s first ‘bicycle as a service’ company. Founded 2014 in the Netherlands, the scale-up quickly developed being one of the leading micro mobility providers in Europe with 270.000 members in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France, Spain, Austria and UK.

The concept of Swapfiets is quite simple: For a monthly subscription fee, Swapfiets members receive a fully functional bicycle or e-mobility solution for their own use. If needed, a repair service is available within 48 hours to repair or directly swap the two-wheeler at no additional cost.