Heading into the middle of the canyon, soon to be ancient history? Inter-line circulation (CIF) of motorcycles and scooters, that is to say the act of moving up traffic jams between lines of vehicles, may well be over. As of January 1, its experiment, which has been running for almost ten years, comes to an end. Road Safety is awaiting the 2024 results of Cerema in order to decide whether to ban it or not. If it brakes hard, the legislation will then return to that before the start of the experiment started in 2016, i.e. a fine of 135 euros (4th class) and three fewer license points for the offenders.
Asked about the question, the readers of 20 Minutes have swapped their handlebars or steering wheel for a moment to grab a keyboard. And they are as numerous as they are divided.
“I imagine myself waiting behind a bus”
“Disappointing”, “stupid” “to fill the state coffers”, “because of Hidalgo, like the 50 km/h”… Once again, the bikers are angry and would not accept this reversal . “I imagine myself queuing behind a bus, in the middle of summer, under a blazing sun, equipped with my regulation jacket, pants, helmet, gloves and boots… or else riding in shorts, t-shirt and sandals,” quips George. If clothing issues can be a concern, it is above all the question of security that is raised. A motorcyclist for over thirty years, Jean-Michel “rides traffic jams in double file, but at low speed”. And points out the motorist danger. Particularly those, “many, who look at their phone but not in their rearview mirrors”.
Ben and others fear having to “get stuck in traffic at the risk of being hit from behind”. “The inter-file allows the serious biker to only worry about what is in front of him,” adds Stéphane. Same story from Frédéric and many others, according to whom the authorities do not tackle the “real issues” enough: “drivers without a license, without insurance” “on drugs”… Even if it becomes prohibited , bikers “will continue to move up the lines and motorists will be even more surprised,” warns Frédéric. Cars or trucks will then feel “legitimate to change lanes without control”, fears Sébastien. Laurent even foresees “carnage”.
What about air pollution? Many people are talking about it, knowing that bikers and motorists are almost unanimous. Their calculation is simple: “In an urban area, 20% more two motorized wheels = 40% fewer traffic jams… Who is going to want to stay in the rain behind the cars? At worst we will buy a car as a result, Bravo! “.
“The fear of hitting a biker”
Conversely, motorists say they are delighted. Like Gilles, who assures that between “the punches in the mirrors, the kicks in the doors or the fenders of vehicles, not to mention the insults, this will perhaps calm some people down”. Many people talk about the fears, the bikers speeding in all directions, their “crazy speeds”. Jean-François has “the fear of hitting a biker”.
A feeling of insecurity that is not shared by other motorists, who are also sometimes bikers. “I have been embarrassed a few times,” says Philippe. But if I put myself in their place, I would find it incongruous not to be able to go back in line. This circulation should be more controlled.” Brindeau, a bit of a die-hard, suggests to his “biker friends” that they respect this “aberration” for a day: with the motorbikes in line, leu, leu, “it’s going to be a nice traffic jam”.
Angry bikers are confident
But still keep your motorcycle, nothing has been done. On the side of the French Federation of Angry Bikers (FFMC) contacted by 20 Minutescoordinator Jean-Marc Belotti reassures. The federation understands that the CIF will be legalized. He specifies: “According to the latest statistics communicated to us, it is rather good. There are no accidents due to inter-lane traffic. On all the ring roads, vehicles are abutting, safety distances are not respected. And we, in the event of braking, are stuck in sandwiches. »
To conclude: “This measure, according to our information, should be legalized at the start of the year. » Words which could clear the horizons of Marc, who was “ready to sell his scooter in the spring if it is no longer of any use on the Toulouse ring road”.
