“Motorized violence is too trivialized”: strong emotion in Montpellier during the tribute to Paul Varry, the cyclist crushed in Paris

“Motorized violence is too trivialized by public authorities, we can no longer tolerate it. The safety of pedestrians and cyclists is a fundamental right, it is neither an option nor a subject for debate.”

Emotions ran high when speaking at the tribute to Paul Varry, this cyclist who was crushed to death in Paris. There were more than 300 people who joined in this tribute on the square in front of Montpellier Town Hall. A gathering among the 259 throughout France to say “stop this unacceptable road violence”as Nicolas Lemoigne and Hélène Quillaud of the Vélocité du Grand Montpellier association said on the microphone in turn.

Candles on the ground under the portrait of the victim

Facing the crowd who came by bike, scooter, on foot… a photo of the victim, a Vélo en Seine activist. On the ground, lit candles forming a bicycle. Under the portrait, some flowers. Then words, pain on faces and a minute of silence at the end of which the bicycle bells rang.

Dominique Ripert, on behalf of the Montpellier à pied association, also recalled, “permanent endangerment” and denounced “road violence”. All have had “a thought for Paul’s family. No words will be able to ease their suffering.”