Slow races, bicycle convoys, disguised cyclists, the megaphone within reach ...
In January, throughout France and for their first national appeal, the “vélorutionnaires” will pedal to protest against the omnipresence of the car in general, and the Paris-Dakar in particular. It starts this Saturday in Lisbon, where the rally started, in Paris and other cities in France. These events, the Critical mass as the Anglo-Saxons say, impose themselves in traffic as an isolated cyclist cannot. The two-wheelers meet in number on the road. "The objective is not to create traffic jams for motorists", explains an activist. Rather to make a non-polluting traffic jam.
The first “vélorution” took place in Paris three years ago. It quickly became monthly. Other collectives followed in the provinces. These scattered cyclists are starting to unite via the Velorution.org site.
“Cycling associations have existed since the 70s. Cycling is a renewal of this associative commitment to cycling. We are part of an altermobilist movement, close to decline ”, specifies Julien, a Parisian cycling specialist.
"We are campaigning for a fair sharing of floor space, to protect the most fragile and least polluting users", explains Jérôme Desquilbet, vice-president of the Parisian association. Obviously, the 750 motor vehicles launched in the African dunes do not fit into the framework. The rally is advertised: "Dare the great adventure!" “There is a disconnect between the idea of the car projected in the media and what to do in the city. Velorution denounces this masquerade which pollutes the air and the minds ”, Desquilbet continues.
The vélorutionnaires, in informal association with the antipub and other environmental activists, demand concrete measures: reduce the speed in town to 30 km / h or strengthen the network of cycle paths "So that people are not afraid to take their bikes". A local commitment that goes beyond the Dakar.
This Saturday in Paris (14 p.m., place du Châtelet), in Angers, Tours, Lille and Rennes. January 14 in Montpellier and Avignon. The 21st in Strasbourg and Nancy.