High-level meeting follows shocking Paris bike death

France's Transport Minister Francois Durovray met with cycling associations on Monday, following a fatal incident in Paris in which a cyclist was allegedly deliberately struck by a motorist after a dispute.

Last Tuesday, an SUV driver allegedly intentionally drove his vehicle over Paul Varry, a 27-year-old cyclist, crushing him. The motorist is now facing potential murder charges.

The tragic event has prompted demonstrations throughout France, with protesters demanding enhanced protection for cyclists on roads and urging an end to aggressive behavior by drivers, which they describe as "motorized violence", reported The Associated Press.

An advocate for urban cycling, Varry had earned recognition for his efforts to enhance cycling facilities in Saint-Ouen, a suburb north of Paris.

In a statement, the French Federation of Bicycle Users, or FUB, said that during the meeting the minister acknowledged, on behalf of the government, the social issue represented by violence on the roads.

It added: "The entire government must now tackle the issue in depth. Beyond the minister of transport, this work must involve the minister of justice and the minister of the interior, Didier Migaud and Bruno Retailleau. Society's reaction calls for a response from the government."

In a social media post, Durovray expressed his condolences for Varry's family, said that cyclists "have a place on the road", and committed to tackling safety issues raised by the incident. The minister described the meeting as a chance to hear from and act upon the concerns of the cycling community in France.

Cycling is rapidly gaining popularity in French cities and the fatal incident has intensified national debate on safeguarding cyclists and enhancing overall road safety.

"The mobilization following Paul's murder showed us to what extent violence on the roads is no longer acceptable," said the FUB.

Alexis Fremeaux, co-president of the FUB, stated: "Paul's death, killed by a motorist in Paris, has resonated deeply. It stirred such emotion because this kind of murder is exceptional. But the violence that cyclists face on the roads today — every cyclist has experienced it. Whether it's threats, being put under pressure, being endangered, or even deliberate collisions — every cyclist has a story to tell."

The FUB statement added: "The minister of transport will propose to the prime minister to set up a mission on violence on the roads. The FUB welcomes this announcement and calls on the government to stand on the side of those who are victims of violence on the roads.

"This mission must result in concrete, quantified and funded recommendations to protect all road users, primarily pedestrians and cyclists. We hope that (this work) will be entrusted to a qualified leading figure and will be the subject of a report submitted to the prime minister during the first quarter of 2025."