When we see the big mess that certain cycle paths have become, we wonder if it might not be time to restore some order and common sense…
As an almost daily user of an electric bike and a fervent defender of sustainable urban mobility, I often ask myself a crucial question: should cycle paths and lanes be reserved exclusively for bicycles?
This question raises major issues for the future of our cities and the well-being of their inhabitants. On the one hand, supporters of gentle traffic advocate a secure sanctuary for cyclists, far from the dangers of automobile traffic. On the other hand, some motorists and public transport users fear increased segregation and a loss of public space.
The question of exclusive access to cycle paths and lanes for bicycles is an increasingly relevant subject of debate in the current context of urban mobility. As cities around the world seek to promote more sustainable modes of transportation and reduce congestion, the question arises: should we restrict access to cycle paths and lanes exclusively to bicycles?
The rise of cycling in the city
Over the past decade, bicycle use in urban areas has grown exponentially. Cities have invested in cycling infrastructure, creating networks of bike paths and lanes to make traveling by bike easier. This infrastructure has not only helped reduce congestion and pollution, but has also helped improve public health by encouraging physical activity.
The challenges of cohabitation on cycle paths
But there is a but, of course, otherwise it would be too simple… With the rise of electric scooters, electric skateboards and other multiple forms of micro-mobility – and the incivility that generally comes with it -, cycle paths have become more and more crowded. These new users, who often move at different speeds than cyclists, can create potentially dangerous situations. In addition, pedestrians, attracted by the relative safety of cycle paths compared to automobile traffic, can also encroach on these spaces, thus creating conflicts of use.
So, shared cycle path or reserved sanctuary? Let’s try to understand the implications of the current regulations.
Cycle paths reserved for bicycles, would that be reasonable?
Beyond the title of this slightly provocative article, a real question when we sometimes see the anarchy that reigns in these spaces and the big mess that the cycle paths and lanes have become.
First of all, security. The main motivation of supporters of reserved cycle paths is the protection of cyclists. Indeed, the statistics are alarming: in France, there are more than 200 cyclists killed each year on the roads. Cycle paths separated from car traffic would significantly reduce this figure by creating a protected space for two-wheelers. In this sense, we often tend to associate cycle paths and urban travel, whereas the urgency today would be to develop cycle paths in the outskirts and in rural areas. Indeed, the statistics are relentless on this subject: more than half of fatal cycling accidents do not occur in cities but in rural areas!
Then, the fluidity of traffic. Far from being an obstacle to traffic, reserved cycle paths can actually help to make it more fluid. Indeed, by separating traffic flows, we avoid slowdowns caused by interactions between cyclists and motorists. It is still necessary that users of these spaces respect the basic rules of safety and living together, which unfortunately seems less and less to be the case as the number of EDPM cyclists and drivers increases. On this subject, we may end up wondering if heavy and bulky cargo bikes carrying 300 kilos of goods or 3 people at more than 30 km/h still really have their place on cycle lanes among frail muscular cyclists.
The development of cargo bikes and speed bikes
THE electric cargo bikes, let’s talk about it. In 2020, sales of cargo bikes in France jumped by 354%. In 2021, they increased again by 54%. These bicycles, often used for transporting goods or people in urban areas, offer a practical alternative to traditional motorized vehicles. However, their size and weight can pose problems on cycle paths. So much so that some go so far as to compare the development of the latter to that of SUVs in the automobile sector. And when we see that this kind of monster could circulate peacefully on cycle paths, we say to ourselves that there may still be a slight problem, right?
THE speed bikeson the other hand, are electric bikes capable of reaching speeds of up to 45 km/h. Although they look like traditional bicycles, they are legally considered mopeds. This means they are not allowed on cycle paths and must travel on roads. And yet I see them every day, tumbling onto the cycle paths and slaloming without slowing down among other users. The increasing use of cargo bikes and speed bikes clearly poses challenges in terms of safety and space use on cycle paths. Cargo bikes, due to their size and weight, can represent a danger to other users of cycle paths. The Swiss Transport and Environment Association (ATE) has already spoken out on the subject, expressing reservations regarding road safety, considering it a risk to ride on cycle paths with heavy cargo bikes.
On the regulatory side, it must be recognized that it is not completely clear since the latter authorizes the use of cycle paths for two- or three-wheeled cycles, light cyclomobiles and motorized personal transport vehicles on a multi-lane roadway. lanes, without specifying dimensions, speed limit or weight. This opens the way to the arrival of intermediate vehicles which could ultimately occupy a significant amount of space and create friction with ordinary cyclists. Am I exaggerating? Not sure. You only need to use cycle lanes on a daily basis to see that the behavior of their users is not much more civil than that which we criticize motorists for.
On the other hand, public space and the roadway are not infinitely expandable. We must therefore make do with what we have, even if it means further widening the routes reserved for soft mobility, with all the consequences implied by this mixing and diversity of individual means of travel. So would restricting cycle lanes to just bikes, or even more so, just muscle bikes, be a good solution? Not sure. On the other hand, we could perhaps imagine a sort of “permit” (why not with points) giving access to the latter and imposing training based on pedagogy and awareness in a few simple points.
In a way a charter of good conduct and good use of the cycle lane, for the good of all. We will come back to this in a future article.