Following the death in Paris on Tuesday, October 15, of a cyclist struck by a driver, Alexis Frémeaux, president of the Parisian association Mieux se Déplacer à Bicyclette ("Moving Better by Bicycle," MDB) and co-president of the Fédération des Usagers de la Bicyclette ("Federation of Bicycle Users," FUB), has spoken out.

According to reports of the incident, it was no accident. The SUV driver seems to have deliberately decided to crush the cyclist. It would therefore be a murder.

Together with other activists, we gathered at noon on Wednesday at the Maison du Vélo ("House of Bicycles") in Paris, in a state of shock, especially as the victim was a very committed member of the Paris en Selle ("Paris in the Seat") association. We called for a rally to be held that evening at the Place de la Madeleine, not far from where the tragedy occurred.

FUB members have reported several similar cases, even though they have not resulted in the victims' deaths. Morever, when an accident occurs, with the cyclist dying and no witnesses coming forward, it is difficult to determine exactly how the events transpired.

We've received nearly 150 testimonials, from all over France and beyond. This case is stirring up a great deal of emotion among people who travel by bike. Everyone seems to have a story to tell: People, on bikes or on foot, who have been honked at, verbally or physically assaulted, threatened with beatings or death, or had a drive swerve toward them in an attempt to destabilize them. People have reported having to protect themselves, flee or hide. I have observed that the perpetrators are often motorists or motorcyclists who don't accept being slowed down, or making a detour from their route. And they are even more opposed to being called out on it. I also note that almost all of them are men.

Society is more accepting of violence when it takes place on the road. Excuses are made for the perpetrator: It was not deliberate, he was in a hurry, etc. A few years ago, a celebrity [musician Michel Sardou, in November 2022] was able to say on TV, when speaking about cyclists, "the next one, I'm getting him," without eliciting any reaction from the presenter. I observe that many politicians and commentators challenge road safety measures, as was the case when, in 2018, the road speed limit was set at 80 km/h.

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