In this situation, I learnt (driving school in France) to first look to the left, and once it's free then look to the right. If it's free, go. I have to admit

In this situation, I learnt (driving school in France) to first look to the left, and once it's free then look to the right. If it's free, go. I have to admit I don't remember the explanation I was given then but it made sense, and as far as I know everyone's taught to do that here. In a car or on a bike, it doesn't matter. You also do that at pedestrian crossings.