After the death of Paul Varry, run over by a driver in Paris, testimonies from cyclists poured in. Whether they cycle to work or hike on the weekend, dozens of users have recounted their fears faced with the behavior of certain motorists.
“It happens so much that I no longer count”
Marion Rousse, former professional cyclist and current director of the Tour de France women, is no exception. “ The fear of driving on a daily basis is the basis “, she confided to Parisian., explaining knowing the difficulties of sharing the road “ for years ». « The drivers who brush past you while I'm driving alone and I'm not bothering anyone, it happens so much that I no longer count. Sometimes we feel the pleasure of just grazing. Same for retro shots in the shoulder. I received lots of them. »
The Northerner calls for “ do not fall into the war of the good cyclists against the bad motorists » but insists on the fact that those who travel by bicycle are “ much more vulnerable “. Julian Alaphilippe, her partner, “ has altercations almost every time out “, she assured. “ He is brushed and is very scared ».
The couple is also worried about their three-year-old son, Nino. “ Julian and I are often told: 'Your son is definitely going to become a cyclist when he grows up.' But, deep down, I don't want that. I would be too scared for him when he went to practice », lamented Marion Rousse.
La Nordiste calls for raising awareness among future drivers, particularly in driving schools, but also for educating motorists who do not necessarily know the rights of cyclists on the road, unlike the inhabitants of Belgium and the Netherlands, for example. example. “ These are cycling countries and people don't ask questions. Respect is automatic and cultural », deciphers Marion Rousse, who says to herself “ dismayed by the surges of violence on a daily basis » which we can see in France.
A mission launched by the Ministry of Transport
On October 22, the Ministry of Transport announced the launch of a mission against violence on the roads, which aims to “ highlight the feeling of insecurity of cyclists and other road users and characterize violent behavior on the road.
The mission will notably have to make proposals on the subject of road education, the continuous improvement of facilities, and the detection, observation and judicial response to violent behavior on the road, detailed the government, which, in its 2025 draft budget, erased the Bicycle Plan and its 250 million euros earmarked for the development of secure infrastructure and cycle routes.
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