Belgium/France.

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

I'm going to go to Brugge for a day, maybe stay overnight as I've never been to Europe in any way (bar Wales ) and found out it's cheaper and easier for me to do this than go to Sctoland.

Are there any funny road traffic things I should be aware of apart from the priority to the right?

Also how can I differentiate between toll roads and non-toll roads on maps?

What preparations will I need to make to my bike as well? Will just taping up the lights be enough? Do I need a GB sticker, one of those triangles and high-vis jacket etc?

Thanks for any help.

Edit: Also any reccomendations on thigs/palces to see and do. Nothing too time consuming due to obvious restrictions.
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Pictorgraphicalfantastical

[621andy]

Don't think there are any toll roads in Belgium.
Lot of front and back speed cameras on the autoroutes there now.

In France, all autoroutes are tolls, unless it's used as a city ring road or bypass. Again a LOT of radars hidden extremely well on the Autoroutes. I think it's become the big crusade there. They'll often have a bike or an Evo parked up to give chase if neccessary.
The fixed ones are ALWAYS signposted, but sometimes 500m away, sometimes 2km away. If you see a sign, slow down until you are absolutely sure you've passed it. Really though, speeding on the autoroutes is a mugs game now. There are so many speed traps it's ridiculous. They've also got a sytem now whereby they set up 2 little tripod things with sensors on. They're set up at a precise distance apart and a camera is triggered if you're wellying it...mate of mine got a guided tour of the system when he found out the hard way what these funny things at the side of the road were. Only used on the RN/RDs though.

You don't need a vest on a bike, but you do in a car. You'll see cars with them draped over the back of the seats.
Can't think of anything else offhand. Have a look in the stickies section as I and others have posted there ('first time driving on the right' or similar)

Have fun and watch out for Belgian beer it's stronger than you think!!
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'93 Africa Twin RD07, C-90,MTX-125,H-100,XL-125, a 125UAG(CG copy!)

[doggone]

You probably don't need tape the lights, bike headlights seem to go down more than sideways on dip but they do vary.
GB stickers - officially yes, in practise no need.
You might get one but not apply it unless prompted - keep for next time.
The priority a droit rule is French really and doesn't make much difference there except in busy towns where they will tend to force out of side roads more than we do here.
Belgium tends to be chaotic in larger towns but Brugges is small and not very far at all from the channel ports.

[EuropeanNC30R...]

Ypres (Ieper on the Euro map) is quite nice and on the way to Brugges. I often pop in for a beer and a waffle if I'm passing.

[Itchy]

Tape up lights? Riding in France is just like riding in the UK bar less cameras and people move over for you.
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[kitty kat]

Never had a problem last year and didn't do anything to lights at all.
We enjoyed a brief visit to Brussels last year, but this year we are planning on stopping at Ypes on the way back to the ferry. (Got to have a Belgian waffle at some point )
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Enjoy everyday, tell those you love everyday you love them
Life is too short to fall out with people

[imanupstart]

Just got back from Brugges for the 2nd time with the mrs (eurostar unfortunatly). Chips & mayo followed by a nice big beer Have a good one

[D O G]

I thought you went cycling in the Netherlands recently?

[Kickstart]