The tragedy that occurred on Tuesday October 15 in Paris continues to shake the capital. A 52-year-old motorist, suspected of having deliberately run over a 27-year-old cyclist after an altercation, was indicted for murder this Friday, October 18. This indictment follows a careful investigation and overwhelming testimony collected by law enforcement.
An altercation that turns into drama
The events took place on Boulevard Malesherbes, in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, at 5:45 p.m. The driver, who was traveling in an SUV, had taken a cycle path for approximately 200 meters, getting dangerously close to a cyclist who was traveling on his left. According to initial statements from the Paris prosecutor’s office, the cyclist, named Paul, had tried to attract the driver’s attention by hitting the hood of the vehicle after it ran over his foot.
According to the elements of the investigation, and in particular the video surveillance images, the driver first backed up to free the victim’s foot before moving forward again, this time directing his wheels towards the young man who was was stationed in front of the vehicle to express his dissatisfaction. It was at that moment that the motorist allegedly resumed driving forward, fatally hitting Paul.
A shocking reaction from the cycling community
The victim, aged 27, was an active member of the association Paris in the Saddlewhich campaigns for better integration of soft mobility in Paris. On social networks, this association paid tribute to Paul, describing him as a person “invested and always ready to help others”. The news of his death quickly aroused strong emotion, not only among soft transport activists, but also among Parisian elected officials.
In a context where the use of bicycles in Paris continues to increase, this tragic event highlights the growing tensions between motorists and cyclists. Cyclist safety has become a major concern in the capital, as the city increasingly encourages the use of bicycles to reduce pollution and traffic congestion.
Tribute to the victim
On Wednesday October 16, around 200 people gathered at Place de la Madeleine, in Paris, to pay tribute to Paul, an initiative organized by Paris in the Saddle. This silent march aimed to denounce the growing violence on Parisian roads and to call for measures to further protect cyclists.
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