Traffic disruption this weekend as motorcyclists protest new French rule
Bikers’ federation wants to see compulsory roadworthiness tests scrapped
Protests will take place in dozens of cities across France
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Nationwide protests by France’s leading motorcyclist federation are expected to cause traffic disruption this weekend (September 21 and 22).
The Fédération des motards en colère (Federation of angry motorcyclists, FFMC) has called for the demonstration against the introduction of compulsory roadworthiness tests for two-wheeled vehicles.
Read more: What are France's contrôle technique rules for motorbikes?
Protests have been arranged in dozens of departments across France by local chapters of the organisation across the weekend.
Some protests will see riders follow routes through major cities, others will have them ride along a designated path throughout the department.
A list of all planned protests can be found here, listed by department in numerical order.
Major cities affected include Amiens (Somme), Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin) , Rennes (Ille-et-Vilaine) Montpellier (Hérault), and Paris.
Protests over new roadworthy tests
Mandatory contrôle technique (roadworthiness, CT) tests have been in force since April 2024, however not all bikes need to get one this year depending on how new they are.
The FFMC has frequently protested against the introduction of the tests, and has called on motorcyclists to boycott them.
It said in a press release that the tests are akin to “sticking a plaster over a wooden leg” and would not resolve any road issues in France.
“Decision-makers are constantly trying to restrict [motorbikes in France] instead of encouraging them,” the federation added.
It claims more motorcycles on the road would decrease traffic issues and reduce pollution levels.
In lieu of mandatory CT tests, the federation backs a number of alternative measures, including the use of ethanol testing kits for motorcyclists, increased training for four-wheeled drivers on how to drive in proximity to a motorbike, and making sure motorcyclists always wear the correct equipment.
It also wants to see a contrôle technique-style safety inspection carried out on French roads, which it claims are in a poor state.
Read more: State of French roads causing alarm
The federation has also called out the use of illegal speed bumps in France, which The Connexion recently covered in an article below.
Read more: Half a million 'illegal' speed bumps could be flattened after French court ruling
