Where is off-road motorcycling allowed in France?

Trail riding in France is in danger. It's a fact that more and more trails are closed to motorcycle traffic. But are we powerless in the face of this? Hell no! In this article, we introduce you to Codéver, the fervent defenders of our green leisure activities. We'll give you all the info you need to know where to ride your motorcycle off-road, and we'll explain how you can help limit abusive road closures!

Codever stands for Collectif de la défense des loisirs verts. This association (2 salaried employees and 50 volunteer delegates) was founded in 1987 when a group of equestrian, motorcycle and 4x4 journalists decided to react to the drafting of the Lalonde law. The insidious aim of this law? To put natural areas completely under wraps. In response to the risk of being denied access to our beautiful forests, they created Codéver.

What are their missions? To defend users, mainly motorized, in their access to nature. As you've no doubt noticed, no-entry signs and restricted-access signs often spring up at the initiative of frustrated local residents. So the association steps in to mediate between users, residents and elected representatives to get these paths reopened. They are the good Samaritans who raise awareness of good practices, inform and defend trail, quad and 4x4 riders, so that we can continue to ride in forests and rural areas.

Before we talk about the legality of off-roading, there's one vital aspect we mustn't overlook: people. Why is this important? Let's not forget that we share these roads with hikers, quad riders, mountain bikers, local residents, etc... It's important to keep the area pleasant for everyone. So, by behaving in a respectful and friendly manner, we can help to ensure the long-term future of our sport. For example, by Turning off the engine when riders pass, taking the time to chat with potential hunters, etc... In 9 cases out of 10, the exchange will be cordial.

Let's get to the heart of the matter. There are 3 types of road :

• Rural (formerly communal): you can use it as long as there are no signs or barriers, and it's wide enough for a car.
• Farm road: same conditions as the rural road, but it must also be suitable for vehicles. In other words, it must be passable by a "normal" car, say the basic Twingo. On the other hand, if only off-road vehicles can use it, then it's forbidden.
• Private: access is forbidden unless authorized by the owner.

Can you drive anywhere in the forest?

Of course not! In fact, the forestry code prohibits all traffic in state-owned forests and, by extension, in those managed by the ONF. But? It is possible to use rural roads, subject to the usual access conditions.

What about Natura 2000 areas?

There are no real additional restrictions. So, if the path you're after is wide enough to accommodate a 4-wheeled vehicle, and there are no barriers or signs, then you can go (in theory). In reality, it's not quite that simple. In fact, it's one of the objectives of the Codéver association: to make it that simple.

What about DFCI (French forest fire protection) roads?

Not allowed! They are reserved for emergency services and rightful claimants. What about paths under high-voltage power lines? No way! Only EDF teams are authorized to use them.

The ambiguous situation of the barrier open on one side and closed on the other...

You enter a road through an open gate, but 2km further on, you're faced with a closed gate. What should you do? That's a tricky one. This clear intention to deny access shows that you should never have taken this path in the first place. But at the same time, you're not going to turn around and drive down this forbidden path again. In such a case, common sense dictates that you go around the closed gate. To avoid this kind of situation, it's a good idea to check beforehand.

The trio of the forbidden

We present to you: the B0, the B7b (according to the pictograms on them) and the B1 alias "sens interdit". If you see one of these, you have to change your route. "What about abusive signs without a municipal by-law number? Let's be clear: it's an urban legend. There is absolutely no obligation to display the municipal by-law reference.

Hand-made" signs

You may also have come across a "private path" sign. If the path is on private property, the sign is perfectly legal! In fact, the owner is under no obligation to install a regulatory sign. The owner is simply advised to indicate whether or not he or she wishes to leave the path free to traffic. And to do so in any way he wishes. So, whether it's a tree lying across the road, two large stones, or a piece of cardboard saying "This is my house, do not enter", this restriction must be respected. But how do you know it's really a private road and not a real abuse? And yes, it does happen. Cases of private individuals closing rural roads to traffic are commonplace. We'll explain how to find out later in this article.

No, there's no guarantee that the paths you take are legal. So it's up to you to research the route using Géoportail or the land registry. One exception to the rule: the Trans Euro Trail project. In this case, you can set off on your adventure with peace of mind. Of course, don't leave your common sense at home. If you see a new ban, turn around and report it to the linesman concerned.

You should also know that in the near future, the Codever association will be providing a GPXperience "label". What's that? They'll check that the paths taken by the GPX track are legal, and they'll apply a sort of virtual "approved" stamp. Isn't that great?

Since the beginning of this article, we've been talking about the land registry. Is it a panacea? The miracle solution to all our questions? Yes and no. A fine Norman answer. Yes, because it's the reference for differentiating between public and private space. No, because it's not always up to date. In fact, let's not forget that, originally, it was simply a tax tool, and it costs local authorities money to keep it up to date. GPXperience makes even more sense, doesn't it?

If you'd like to invite all your friends to your off-road raid, you needn't worry about any administrative formalities for up to 50 participants. Beyond that? You'll need to register with the prefecture.

Are you itching to create your own routes? But how do you go about creating your own track? You can find clear tutorials on the Internet or on the Esprit Off-Road facebook group. Exporting the route as a GPX file is relatively easy. As you'll have guessed, the hard part is checking that every section you take is legally passable.

We've already explained the different types of paths. Then, to find out whether the trail is private or public, you can consult the land registry online. Another fantastic tool is Géoportail. Codéver has even put together a practical guide to using it, or you can attend one of their workshops.

What is Géoportail ? This site from the French National Geographic Institute allows you to download your track on a base map and then superimpose an incredible number of layers: cadastre, natura 2000 zones, IGN maps, etc... It's an invaluable aid for preparing your motorcycle touring itineraries. This site also lets you find out if a prohibition (abusive sign) is potentially illegal.

You can alert the Codéver association (and join to support them). They will then launch the administrative procedures, notably with the town hall, which is obliged to remove all obstructions on roads open to public traffic. Now that's clear!

By the way, you may be wondering how you can get involved in the fight against abusive closures? You can become a sentinel for Codéver. It's as simple as that. You can keep an eye out for excessive restrictions in your area. If they do, report them to the association. That way, if every trail runner plays the game, the national network will be strong.

The ONF has the reputation of being the most virulent organization. Managing 25% of France's forests, it is a public company with a commercial vocation, which means one thing: they have to make money. And with their limited staff, it's easier for them to try and simply ban access to a wood than to organize police operations. That's the sad fact. The real problem? It's the lack of an interlocutor on the user side. Because if the ONF asks a town hall to forbid access to a path on the pretext that it will limit garbage dumping, and no trail runner or hiker is there to defend their interests, then closure will be inevitable. It is therefore essential to make a commitment to Codéver and to make common cause with riders, hunters and other users of these paths.

First, say as little as possible! Be very succinct about where you've come from and where you're going. Detailing your itinerary is like handing out a stick to be beaten. Secondly, refuse to acknowledge the offence. Why should I? From the moment you acknowledge the fault, no further recourse is possible. And above all, don't back down! A hit-and-run is very expensive and can land you in jail. We've warned you.

What happens after the protest? Codever to the rescue! If you're already a member, you'll benefit from legal assistance. The association will pay your lawyer's fees and take care of the formalities involved in defending your case in court. If you're not a member, their support will obviously be "lighter", but they'll still assist you and explain how to proceed. The moral of the story? If you regularly go off-roading, it's in your interest to join the association. It's a big help!

Now we come to a very important point: the photos you take on your off-road outings. What's wrong with them? French law forbids the distribution of images showing vehicles in natural areas. That's pretty clear. So, those superb shots of your last meal in the undergrowth of the Auvergne must remain in the private sphere! What are you risking? Firstly, a surprise visit from the OFB at 6am on your front porch, with the potential confiscation of your bike, and then a possible legal action by the local environmental association.

Is off-roading close to your heart? Are you tired of seeing the roads close? You can do something about it. First of all, by behaving in a respectful and friendly way towards other users and the places you use. Secondly, you can support the Codéver association by becoming a member, telling others about them or offering to help.

Watch our Youtube video Q&A with Codever member Benoit