Ct is still far from being harsh on the behavior of cyclists in the Arcachon basin. But still… The first signs of difficulties in cohabitation between bicycles, pedestrians and cars are beginning to appear, especially in the most touristy towns in the region, which are Arcachon, Lège-Cap-Ferret and La Teste-de-Buch. It is true, particularly in the south of the Basin, that cycle paths and lanes are increasing thanks to significant investments by the South Basin Urban Community (Cobas). In the city of Arcachon, the municipality has also implemented a policy of donating bicycles to its residents, whether they have a primary or secondary residence. In a Gironde tourism report dating from 2022, it is also noted that the highest number of cyclists are recorded in the Arcachon basin with five counters exceeding 100,000 passages.
Cars and bicycles: in Bordeaux, cohabitation under tension, our series
Bicycles, electric bikes, cargo ships: cyclists have never been so numerous in Bordeaux and the Metropolis, their number has more than doubled since 2015. Enough to strain relations between old and new road users, each accusing the other not respecting the rules and taking over the space. Data, reports, interviews: “Sud Ouest” conducts the investigation
More tracks and bikes mean more potential conflict situations with other road users. This is starting to be seen through public meetings in municipalities where residents report the uncivil behavior of cyclists, or conversely, cyclists who deplore the behavior of motorists. In Cap Ferret for example, where there are few cycle paths, the principle is that of bicycles, cars and pedestrians cohabitation. Several testimonies report, during the summer period, accident-prone situations on the narrow Truc vert road or the forest tracks. On Boulevard de la Plage, in the center of Ferret, there is a free-for-all between vehicles. “There are bikes everywhere, they do anything,” complains a resident of this commercial and tourist axis.
Awareness campaign
In the town of Arcachon, the cycle paths are fairly well separated from other traffic, except on the seafront facing the central beach. There, it was enough to stay on the terrace for fifteen minutes to witness a scuffle between a pedestrian and a cyclist. In the major renovation of the seafront that it is currently carrying out, the municipality has taken care to create a new cycle path well separated from the others, in order to avoid these conflicts of use. During the recent neighborhood council meeting in downtown Arcachon, a lady exclaimed, to much applause: “Cyclists don’t respect anything. » Mayor Yves Foulon agreed and promised an awareness campaign in March.
Finally, in La Teste-de-Buch, rue du Port has been completely renovated. It is now a path shared between bicycles, cars and pedestrians. As soon as it opened this summer, merchants and their customers reported to “Sud Ouest” about “excessive bicycle speeds”. “Some people brush against the doors, go too fast. We need to educate them,” explained a local resident. Remarks on this delicate cohabitation on rue du Port also heard during public neighborhood meetings. It is true that this shared road is the first in the commune and that the Testerins are less used to it than in Bordeaux, for example.
