Cognac: cyclists shine to demand more facilities

Helmet on the head. Lights on, yellow in front, red behind. And yellow vest on his back. “A reflex” for Xavier Larbey, the treasurer of the Vélo d’Vie association. “It’s like a belt, you have to get used to it and put it on regularly. » “Even if a light on your bike is defective, with the vest you remain visible,” adds Thierry Fabian, the president of the association. However, this equipment is only obligatory outside built-up areas, at night in the event of insufficient light.

Since the beginning of November, the police have been carrying out morning and evening checks to check that cyclists are properly equipped. The first week, ten people were checked, no problems to report.

For this ride, some have even added a small lighted tree or a lantern to their bikes. “The tree is not approved but perhaps I will keep it, it gives a touch of poetry,” says Olivier who cycles three kilometers to work every day.

“One in two people I see on a bike or scooter are without a light or a vest. »

François does 20 kilometers several times a week between Cognac and Jarnac-Champagne: “I ride in the morning and in the evening and it's scary, one in two people I see on a bike or scooter are without a light or a vest.” “If we sold cars without headlights, we would have the same problem,” Olivier quips next door. “Now we have luminous, inexpensive and rechargeable equipment,” explains Xavier Larbey.

Looking for alternative routes

“I cycle more in summer than in winter, maybe I would do more if there were safer paths, but now I have the fear of not being seen,” explains Patricia who takes part in the ride, reassured that evening to be able to cycle in a group.

“We want to show that we can go to the hospital by bike without taking Avenue d’Angoulême,” explains Xavier Larbey. Instead, for this evening ride, the bikes will take the Chemin de la Pallue. “We want a traffic plan which consists of directing cars towards the main roads and that secondary roads are favored for soft mobility,” adds Thierry Fabian.

After reaching Auchan, the walk continues. The cyclists have found a small white path, which they believe deserves to be restored a little. For the last few kilometers, head to Châteaubernard, where bike enthusiasts can take advantage of the chaussidous to ride in complete safety.

Catherine, who arrived from Orléans with her husband a year ago, regrets the lack of infrastructure. “It’s a lot worse here. Fortunately we didn't take this criterion into account when settling here. » She doesn't go out on her bike in the evening alone.

For those tempted by the experience of cycling at night, the association has a stock of vests and lights, subject to membership.