An unfair and unsuitable system
While the establishment of the Low Emission Zone (ZFE) in the Bordeaux metropolitan area is fast approaching, the FFMC33 has decided to bring the matter before the administrative court.
The objective? Defend motorized two-wheelers (2WD), which, although essential to urban mobility, are unfairly included in this restrictive system.
For Marianne, coordinator of the FFMC33, this legal process had become the only recourse:
“We have continued to participate in all the meetings organized by Bordeaux Métropole, arguing for 2WDs to be excluded. Unfortunately, our efforts to dialogue and convince were not taken into account. We therefore filed this appeal to protect Gironde bikers. »
An appeal based on solid arguments
The FFMC33’s appeal is based on several fundamental points:
The illegality and manifest error of assessment of the ZFE decree, which specifies that these zones only concern four-wheeled vehicles. Motorized two-wheelers are in theory not affected by the “Climate and Resilience” law, article 119 chapter 6 and its transposition into the general code of local authorities (article 2213-4-1), which indicates that these measures only concern the 4 wheels…
The social discrimination caused by the ZFE: as Marianne points out, “not everyone has the means to afford a recent vehicle, and even less so an electric vehicle. »
The advantages of 2WD for urban mobility: these vehicles streamline traffic, take up less parking space, and, unlike cars, do not get stuck in traffic jams, which reduces polluting emissions. Additionally, they are not equipped with diesel engines, a major source of pollution.
Marianne insists: “Motorized two-wheelers are not a problem, but a solution to congestion and urban pollution. »
In case of failure, field actions envisaged
If the administrative court were to reject the appeal, the FFMC33 does not intend to give up:
“We are considering actions on the ground, such as a demonstration on the ring road by occupying the space usually taken by cars, or even symbolic gatherings to attract the attention of the media,” explains Marianne. “Our priority remains to make the voices of bikers heard, and we will continue to mobilize the press to convey our message. »
A mobilization that resonates with Girondin bikers
According to Marianne, local bikers are largely supportive of this approach:
“The vast majority of bikers support our action and say they are ready to mobilize. Some were not even aware of the impacts of the ZFE on their vehicles, despite our communication efforts. This shows the importance of continuing to inform and mobilize. »
Since 2017, the FFMC33 has participated in each stage of the consultations organized by Bordeaux Métropole, tirelessly seeking to convince local decision-makers. In February 2023, a videoconference was even organized with the president of Bordeaux Métropole.
“She listened to us, but it didn’t lead to any concrete progress,” laments Marianne. The official response from the president's office, which invokes a “logic of readability and equal treatment between the different categories of vehicles”, finally pushed the branch to file this legal action.
Through this appeal, the FFMC33 hopes to obtain justice for Gironde bikers while sending a clear message: two-wheel mobility deserves to be recognized as a solution to environmental and urban challenges.
A national issue for the FFMC
The National FFMC is mobilized alongside the FFMC 33. While the establishment of ZFEs will be compulsory in many French metropolises from January 1, 2025, this Gironde fight could set a precedent.
