A luminous parade on bicycles will take place this Saturday in the streets of Nice. It marks the end of three weeks of actions dedicated to nighttime visibility on bicycles by the association Nice à Vélo.
Nice welcomes a new edition of the national campaign “Cyclists, Shine!” coordinated by the French Federation of Bicycle Users (FUB). Once again this year, the association Nice à Vélo is organizing a large luminous parade to conclude three weeks dedicated to awareness about bicycle lighting during the winter season. This initiative highlights the issue of nighttime visibility and seeks to encourage safer habits in daily travel.
Three weeks of actions on the field preceded this parade. Volunteers invested several areas of Nice to remind people of equipment regulations and provide reflective materials. Special attention is given to the use of appropriate lights, the condition of reflective devices, and recommended behaviors during travel in darkness. The “Cyclists, Shine!” campaign thus adopts an approach focused on prevention, knowledge sharing, and observation of actual practices.
This Saturday, December 6, the luminous parade becomes the highlight of this effort. A trailer will host a mobile DJ set. The procession will consist of decorated bicycles and participants dressed in bright, fluorescent, or glittery colors. The goal is to transform the streets into an illuminated route accessible to everyone. The departure will take place at Place Garibaldi starting at 6:30 PM. The route will pass through the streets of the Port district and then the city center for a journey of 8 kilometers. A friendly evening will continue the event at Atmos Concept, 1 rue Gioffredo.
Working for the well-being of cyclists
Since the launch of the campaign, Nice à Vélo has also been conducting a counting operation as part of a national program led by the FUB. The methodology remains common to each participating association. The recordings take place before sunrise or after sunset, during a one-hour period. Each team observes the number of well-lit cyclists, those partially equipped, or those without lighting. This work provides concrete data on the actual level of equipment. The aim is to strengthen citizen expertise regarding nighttime safety and to provide benchmarks to local authorities.
The 2025 edition invites a collective reflection on shared responsibilities in terms of safety. On this occasion, the FUB reminds several points intended for different audiences. Local authorities are encouraged to enhance public lighting as well as cycling infrastructure. Motorists are urged to adopt vigilant driving and to respect safety distances. Cyclists are encouraged to check their visibility before each nighttime journey. The stated objective is clear: to make the night a safe space for every road user.
Reminding of legal obligations is an integral part of the campaign. A bicycle used at night must have a white or yellow front light and a non-blinking red rear light. Orange reflectors are required on the wheels, unless tires with reflective strips are fitted since November 2024. Reflectors must be present at the front and rear, matching the color of the headlights. Pedals must also have orange reflectors. Outside urban areas, a reflective vest is mandatory. These elements form the common regulatory basis for all nighttime travel.
To assist cyclists in choosing their equipment, the FUB provides an infographic to guide depending on the type of roadway. Lighting tests and detailed advice are also available on their website. This content helps better understand the differences between equipment, their uses, and their effectiveness.
