No matter where you are reading, responsible lane filtering in traffic situations has been repeatedly proven to be one of the safest measures for motorists. For this reason, European motorcycle road safety instructors firmly defend the right of motorcyclists to carry out this practice. But in Paris they don’t think the same. Even if it is a mortal danger for our French companions.
Recently, the mayor of Paris implemented a controversial measure that reduces the speed limit on the city ring road to 50 km/h, making it difficult to divide and filter lanes for motorcycles. Although this new regulation does not expressly prohibit this practice, filtering in France is only allowed on roads with speed limits of at least 75 km/h. That is, it is prohibited on the Parisian ring road.
Of course, Parisian and surrounding motorcyclists have expressed their discontent, and the French Federation of Angry Motorcyclists (FFMC) has mobilized its members in response. Along with the Drivers Defense League (LDC), the FFMC is fighting this measure and seeking a modification of the law.
Last Sunday, October 20, the FFMC organized a demonstration that began at 2:00 p.m. on Avenue Foch, near Porte Dauphine in Paris. Jean-Marc Belottirepresentative of the FFMC in Paris, stated that this is an issue that mainly affects the working class, pointing out that many of the users of the ring road live in the suburbs because they cannot afford to live in the city center.
According to Belotti80% of the motorists who use that road are workers who, during confinement, for example, were considered essential. But now they face restrictions that complicate their mobility. And they do it in a very notable and dangerous way for their integrity.
In addition to the demonstration, the FFMC and LDC are raising funds to file a class action lawsuit. Belotti He stressed that this situation is unfair, since it especially affects those who do not have access to public transportation in the capital.
And yes, it’s true, many workers feel abandoned by a system that seems to penalize them for depending on their vehicles. In a city as congested as Paris, encouraging the use of two-wheeled vehicles would seem a logical solution to improve mobility, rather than imposing new restrictions. We’ll see how this all ends.
