A shocking tragedy unfolded Tuesday in the heart of Paris: following a violent argument, a motorist deliberately hit a 27-year-old cyclist who did not survive. The exact circumstances of this fatal act remain to be clarified, the driver having fled before being arrested.
It is a tragedy which shocked the many witnesses present late Tuesday afternoon in Paris. Around 5:45 p.m., boulevard Malesherbes in the 8th arrondissement, during rush hour, a 48-year-old motorist and a 27-year-old cyclist had a violent verbal altercation. The exact circumstances of the dispute are not yet known.
But the tone quickly rose between the two men. Then, while everyone was preparing to continue on their way, the motorist driving an SUV deliberately hit the cyclist before driving over him, according to sources close to the investigation. A gesture of incredible violence which left the young man no chance. Despite the rapid intervention of emergency services, he could not be resuscitated.
A scene of great violence
The shock was extremely brutal. A firefighter who arrived on the scene spoke of a “bloodbath”. According to our information, the SUV literally crushed the cyclist, leaving him no chance. Witnesses, including children, witnessed the scene, deeply traumatized by this unleashing of gratuitous violence in the street.
In the passenger seat of the SUV was the driver’s daughter, probably a minor. After committing his act, the motorist fled. But he was quickly caught by the police and placed in custody at the 8th arrondissement police station, along with his daughter, to be questioned about the circumstances of the tragedy.
Sadness and anger
This homicide aroused strong emotion and outraged reactions, starting with that of Nicolas Nordman, deputy mayor of Paris, who firmly condemned this “act of incredible violence”. On social networks, many Internet users expressed their sadness for the victim and their anger at such an explosion of violence on the road.
My thoughts are with the family of this young man who lost his life in circumstances as tragic as they are incomprehensible. I hope that all light will be shed and that the culprit will be severely punished.
reacted Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris
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Cyclist safety in question
This drama raises the question of cyclist safety in big cities and their difficult coexistence with motorists. Despite the development of cycle paths in recent years, accidents involving bicycles remain numerous and too often fatal.
- In 2022, 227 cyclists lost their lives on the roads of France.
- This is 32 more than the previous year.
- In 9 out of 10 cases, accidents in cities occur at an intersection.
Associations defending cyclists have long called on public authorities to take strong measures to secure their travel, such as the generalization of bicycle locks at traffic lights, two-way cycle paths and better maintenance of cycle paths.
But beyond the arrangements, it is also the behaviors that must evolve to put an end to these tragedies. Because if cyclists are the first victims of the road in the city, motorists must learn to better share public space and show more caution and respect towards them.
In the meantime, an investigation has been opened by the Paris prosecutor’s office for aggravated homicide. The driver of the SUV, currently in police custody, will have to answer for his senseless action in court. He risks up to 10 years in prison and a fine of 150,000 euros. A trial which will also be that of road violence.
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