French city bans bicycles from pedestrian streets

Bikes have been banned from several pedestrian streets in Lille city centre as they pose a safety risk to pedestrians.

The ban applies to bicycles as well as skateboards, mopeds and other two-wheelers.

What the ban means in practice

Bikes are forbidden to circulate from 11:00–22:00 in the city's pedestrian areas, especially around Place Rihour and the cathedral.

On Saturday, this perimeter will be extended to make a larger area pedestrianised from 11:00–19:00.

Users will then be "required to put their feet on the ground and drive [their] vehicle by hand," the order states.

Cyclists who do not comply will be liable to a fine of €35–135.

Police officers, municipal employees, postal delivery drivers, children aged under eight and people with reduced mobility will still be able to circulate within these areas on such modes of transport.

Environmentalists oppose bike ban

The measure has been strongly criticised by the opposing Green MPs, who believe that it disadvantages “a virtuous mode of transport" and creates "an obstacle to cycling mobility".

They point out that several stations of V'Lille (the self-service bike rental service) are located within these pedestrian zones.

Agen took a similar decision at the beginning of July, banning two-wheelers from its pedestrian city centre – however the order was challenged in court in mid-September and the decision has now been reserved.

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