Violence Against Cyclists: What if We Heard from Those Most Affected?
This page is translated from the original post "Violences contre les cyclistes : Et si on écoutait les premiers concernés !" in French.
- 08/05/2025 12:45
If there is a genuine awareness of the increasing incivility on the roads, the reactions still seem hesitant.
The report “Preventing violence and easing tensions for better public road sharing,” submitted on April 28, 2025, by Emmanuel Barbe to Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot, marks a significant step in the fight against road violence. Paris en Selle, an organization at the forefront of these issues, is well positioned to assess the relevance of the recommendations made. With its commitment to promoting cycling mobility and its knowledge of on-the-ground issues, the organization calls for immediate measures to put an end to these dangerous behaviors.
The tragedy that occurred on October 15, 2024, where Paul Varry, a member of the organization, was deliberately assaulted by a motorist on a bike lane and subsequently died from his injuries, has been a catalyst for this mission. Since then, reports of motorized violence have multiplied, reflecting an alarming reality. Paris en Selle highlights the quality of the work carried out by Emmanuel Barbe, which is based on solid foundations: scientific research, best practices from abroad, and multiple hearings.
However, the organization criticizes some recommendations they deem insufficient to have an immediate impact. While the proposed measures include integrating road violence into annual statistics, using videos in online complaints, and automatic video enforcement, they do not fully address the urgency of the situation. Inspired by the Spanish example, Paris en Selle advocates for strong sanctions, such as license suspensions and vehicle seizures for violent drivers.
Furthermore, the report proposes long-term improvements, such as education on cycling mobility, revision of driving license tests, and development of quality infrastructure. Although these measures are essential, they must be accompanied by immediate policies to ensure user safety.
For Paris en Selle, the government must go beyond the current recommendations and make brave decisions. Violent users are a minority, but their acts affect the majority. Protecting cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians is a priority. In this sense, the organization urges authorities to act decisively to restore public order on the roads.
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