SAS Vélo: everything you need to know about this new facility for cyclists

So you've probably come across these strange markings on the ground just before the traffic lights, haven't you? It looks like a little dance floor, but for whom? 🤔 Well, my two-wheeled friends, it's for you, the cyclists! This is the famous SAS vélo, a dedicated area that's all the rage in town.  But why this specific space, you ask? Well, first and foremost **safety and visibility**. Imagine being on your bike, stuck between two cars in traffic, and then the light turns green. Not ideal, is it? 😕 Thanks to SAS vélo, cyclists are no longer extras in the great road movie. They're on the front line, in the spotlight, where all road users can **see them, recognize them, and respect them**. This is a major step towards harmonious cohabitation between bicycles, pedestrians and motorized vehicles. 🤝 Next, let's talk **traffic efficiency**. With SAS, the slalom between lanes is a thing of the past. Cyclists now have their own space in which to start, which makes traffic flow more smoothly and reduces the risk of collision when starting off. It's a bit like having an express lane reserved for bikes at every traffic light (and without tolls, please!). More safety, less stress - it's good for everyone! 🚦 Last but not least, SAS bikes are a strong symbol of a city that takes sustainable tourism and leisure for all seriously. They encourage people to get out on their bikes and enjoy the city at a healthier, more environmentally-friendly pace. It's an invitation to rediscover one's city, to experience it differently, with a focus on gentle, pleasant mobility. 🌳

So, how can you make the most of this SAS bike without becoming the king or queen of blunders? 🚴‍♂️ Simply place your bike in the SAS when the light is red, just in front of the stop line for motorists, but behind the stop line for pedestrians. Yes, even in the land of bicycles, there's an order to be respected! 📚 But watch out, left-handers! If you have to turn left at a crossroads, you'll have to position yourself to the left of the SAS (yes, we know, it's logical, but it sounds better). 🔄 Using a SAS bicycle is a question of insurance... both literally and figuratively. Make sure you obey the signs and stay alert. It's a small gesture for you, but a big step for urban mobility. And who knows? Maybe by doing so, you'll inspire other road users to adopt more respectful and sustainable driving. 🌍

And now, a little wink to our dear drivers (because a lot of cyclists are too, we've spotted you 😉 )! Yes, you who juggle the steering wheel, the radio and that slightly too hot coffee. We've got a special mission for you: respect the SAS bicycle regulations. It's not rocket science, but it does require a bit of attention. 🚗 **First golden rule**: the starting line is not the same as when you took your driving test in the last century. You no longer have to stop at the light just before the crosswalk (well, not after anyway 😅 ), but a few meters upstream. Behind the line that frames our famous SAS vélo. **What if there's no bike?** It doesn't matter, it could arrive at any moment. Remember that you have many blind spots in a car, and that lights sometimes last an eternity 🥱.  Ah yes! It's worth remembering that this applies to all types of motorized vehicles. If you're in a car, but also on a motorcycle, scooter, or quad, you don't have an invitation card for SAS vélo (mopeds that don't exceed 20 km/h no more!)! 🫥

We know that no one likes surprises, especially when they affect the wallet. In France, not respecting SAS vélo is expensive, and it's not just an urban legend (Paris has known about it since September 2018)! 🤑 If you're caught "squatting" in a SAS vélo when the light is red, get ready to say **goodbye to 135 euros and 4 points** on your license. Yes, that's the price you have to pay for a moment's inattention (or road rebellion). 🚦 Are you stuck in a traffic jam on the SAS bike lane when the light is green? It's still a ticket, but this time it's a slightly milder fine of **35 euros**. You could almost say it's a small penalty for playing with the light (red, of course). 🚗🔴 To sum up, respecting SAS bikes isn't just a matter of good manners, it's also a matter of respecting the highway code and, let's be honest, your wallet. So, to avoid unexpected expenses and contribute to a safer, more pleasant road environment, keep an eye on those lines on the ground. Your bank account and cyclists will thank you! 💳🚴‍♀️🌈 \_Photo credits: \_ *[TCY](<https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=90607087>)**[ATVFF75](<https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=67260763>)*