top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Speeding cyclists face radar trap

Seaside resort orders 10kph speed limit on Prom cyclepath to stop bikes causing accidents

CYCLISTS could be fined for going too fast on the promenade cyclepath in a Riviera resort after the mayor set a 10kph speed limit - and put in a police speed trap.

Cagnes-sur-Mer mayor Louis Nègre said the cyclepath was on the pavement and cyclists, pedestrians young and old, rollerbladers and families with buggies all shared the path - but some people were causing a danger.

He said on France 3 TV "Normally I would never take a measure like this; 95% of cyclists show some intelligence and adapt their speed to how crowded the promenade is - but there are always 5% who are totally reckless and dangerous.

"A 70kg cyclist crashing into a child or an OAP at 30kph would be a very serious accident."

Now police have started checking speeds and warning some cyclists about their behaviour. Mr Nègre said that no fines would be handed out initially while they made people aware of the restriction, but those caught going faster than 10kph face a €35 fine.

Cyclists complained the move would "stop people switching from polluting cars" but others said the mayor should look at fining people for strolling along the cyclepath. Others pointed to the fact that most bicycles do not have a speedo.

Alfred Brink, president of the departmental cycle touring federation, told Le Parisien that the problem was that the cyclepath was not a real cyclepath: "It's a nice route, it draws lots of people but it's not a real cyclepath dedicated to cyclists. Instead of building a real cyclepath, they warn, they crack down."

And André Hartz, of the Côte d'Azur bike touring group, added: "More to the point, 10kph - that's the speed of a man running; bikes travel at 20 or 25kph."
Screengrab: France 3

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France