Par
Editorial Lannion
Published on
Nov 18, 2024 at 4:51 p.m.
See my news
Follow Le Trégor
100 cyclists took off on Sunday November 17 in the morning at Kermaria-Sulardat a place called Fospoul, plus a few latecomers who had to pedal harder to catch up with the group.
The mayor, Pierre Houssaisannounced that he was counting 150 online registrations. In reality, they joined another group at the Mabiliès roundabout near Louannec, and reached 280 participants.
The group grew over the stages: Louannec, Lannion, Servel, Pleumeur-Bodou, Penvern, to finish at Goas Treiz in Trébeurden.
Gérard Coupier, from the Trégor bicyclette association, also took the floor to clarify the necessary safety rules for such an adventure, knowing that many of these enthusiasts were not accustomed to riding in such a large group.
Surrounded by two association vehicles, equipped with flashing lights, it was in a very joyful atmosphere, despite the cool weather, that the start was given by the mayor, and the peloton set off towards Trébeurden where he was expected at the end of the morning. Pierre Houssais welcomed the support of Trégor Bicyclette and elected officials from other municipalities.
A fully successful operation therefore, to demand the realization of the project to connect the two municipalities. Project which has already benefited from grant from the Department which risks being lost due to changes in the rules for constructing cycle lanes.
“Untenable constraints”
The elected officials of these municipalities crossed are up in arms against the Department, which has imposed since March 2024 new standards for the development of cycle lanes along departmental roads.
He demands a strip 2 m wide between the roadway and the cycle lane, in order to better protect cyclists. A real brake on current projects.
In fact, this new obligation entails an increase in costs of these arrangements and much longer delays due to the necessary land acquisitions.
Pour Carine Huevice-president of LTC in charge of mobility, we must find “the right compromise between security, financial and environmental impact (land sobriety)”.
Utility bike safety is struggling
The bicycle plan, connecting municipalities in the region, was adopted in 2021 by LTC. Sections were built in the Lannion urban area.
Extensive studies have already been carried out to connect Fospoul (Kermaria) to Lannion and Servel to Pleumeur.
The project was rejected by the Departmental Technical Agency on the grounds of a separating strip of only one meter.
However, the file was winner of a call for projects from the State and could benefit from a subsidy of 400 000 €.
In Trébeurden, the connection with Penvern, already studied and financed by the municipality itself, is suspended.
“We want to do well if we don’t want to do better. »
Optimal security or nothing?
“Are security reasons good pretexts for not acting? I answer yes. »
And to drive the point home:
“Yes to security. No to good reasons for doing nothing. »
He can't resist a touch of humor:
“We have the impression of being taken for a ride. What we want is to be led by bicycle. »
Good news from Pleumeur
Pierre Terrienmayor of Pleumeur-Bodou, points out that the routes built only a few years ago in Pleumeur would no longer be possible today in view of the new rules.
Furthermore, he undertakes to repeat part of the descent to Penvernas well as towards the Radôme.
“The work will begin,” he announced.
Put pressure on the Department
“We’re not just here to inform you. We are here to encourage decision-makers», says Pierre Houssais.
“This morning’s mobilization, largely bringing together elected officials and the population, shows thatthe wait is real», concludes Carine Hue.
Plea in favor of cycling from Trégor Bicyclette
“Cycling policies bring in money,” claims Guillaume Leroux, president of Trégor Bicyclette, with supporting figures. “1 km of cycle path costs €300,000 to €1 million compared to €2 million for a small road, and €8.5 million for the A69. » “9 out of 10 primary school students live less than 8 minutes by bike from a school. 4 out of 5 college students live less than 20 minutes by bike from a college. 2 out of 3 high school students are located less than 20 minutes from a high school. Imagine if all these journeys were secure? » Or even: “1 km traveled by bike is equivalent to €1 saved by society. » Health, air pollution, noise, greenhouse gas emissions, all arguments put forward in favor of the use of utility bikes which can be “transformative of lifestyles”.
MJ. Mignot and JL. Gourdin
Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to Mon Actu.
