A Paris cycling adventure

Continue at speed

You continue sailing along Avenue Wagram, wind whipping at your hair. A delivery truck has crept up on your left, doing a slow pass as Place des Ternes comes into sight. The pedestrian is still up ahead, getting closer now. You decide to keep your speed up and swerve around them. You’ve got a perfect rhythm going and you don’t want it spoiled by a jaywalker.

The delivery truck is still at your elbow, and you notice with mild vexation that it’s slowing down to let the pedestrian cross. You’ve already made up your mind — well, screw it. You’re on a bike, you can still find a way to squeeze past.

You’re amazed by the lack of honking — motorists are either awfully courteous here, or they’re resigned to the fact that they don’t own the road, even when they have the right of way.

The pedestrian takes a few steps forward, leaving you with enough room to swerve behind them and continue pedaling. Looking back over your shoulder, you notice vehicles in both directions slowing to a rolling stop, letting the pedestrian cross, and then continuing on as if it was the most normal thing in the world to accommodate jaywalking.

You’ve now reached Place des Ternes. There’s a lovely market stall selling flowers in the middle of this roundabout, and a few classy bistros with patios framing the intersection.

Up ahead, there’s Boulevard de Courcelles, which will take you to the beautiful Parc Monceau. Alternately, you can turn right to take Rue du Faubourg St. Honoré toward the centre of town.

Ride to Parc Monceau or Turn down Rue du Faubourg St. Honoré

Sam Nabi