I think most European countries are designed this way. In my experience it just takes getting used to and is a bit uncomfortable, but it just feels so much more efficient, whether driving or on a bike. It feels unnecessary to have to stop at every block on a neighborhood street when there’s no one around.
The right of way thing I’ve only seen in France in my travels to Europe.
It’s so crazy. You have to assume that you don’t have the right of way, unless there’s a sign that says otherwise. (A yellow diamond with a thick white border) On any roads so you have to stop at every intersection. Not all intersections are obvious, especially in a city like Paris. And if you’re not aware of that rule or you just forget about it, which is easy if you’re foreign, then accidents can happen.
The French are actually thinking about putting up stop signs instead to reduce the number of accidents related to these situations.
