A general feeling of fear. According to a survey* carried out by Ipsos in 11 European countries for the Vinci Autoroutes foundation, 95% of road users fear risky behavior from others, up from 92% in 2023. Whether they are cyclists (97%) , motorists (95%), drivers of two-wheeled vehicles or pedestrians (92%), all users recognize this fear.
“Each road user has the feeling of being in danger, of being worried about other users and, at the same time, each user admits to having committed infractions that contribute to this climate of tension,” Bernadette Moreau, delegate, explains to France Info. general of the Vinci Autoroutes Foundation.
“Everyone is afraid of everyone and, with anxiety, we will have uncontrolled reactions,” summarizes Bernadette Moreau.
“Awareness work to be done”
The death of a cyclist on October 15 in Paris, hit by an SUV driver, highlighted the sometimes conflictive coexistence between bicycles and cars, while alternatives to the car have developed strongly in the city.
The study also analyzes the feeling of safety of cyclists. On average, in Europe 80% of users feel safe riding a bicycle, a figure that even rises to 93% in the Netherlands. In France, on the other hand, only 59% feel safe riding a bicycle. A figure that, however, increases for cyclists in large cities (68%), especially in cities with developed trails and infrastructure such as Strasbourg.
“[Aux Pays-Bas, ndlr] There is a tradition of cycling that has been built in the cities and it is going well. In France, this feeling of insecurity among cyclists is very, very strong, we must raise awareness so that everyone can feel safe,” explains Bernadette Moreau.
Lack of knowledge of the rules.
If this feeling of insecurity is due to ignorance of the rules, particularly those that apply to cyclists, the foundation also notes a desire not to respect them. The study thus highlights the 67% of drivers of motorized two-wheeled vehicles who invade the bicycle lock or the 62% of cyclists who admit to riding on sidewalks, although they reserve them for pedestrians.
Improving infrastructure can help address unsafe behaviors. “There is an educational part, from a very young age in school, this continues when you obtain your driving license and this continues throughout your life,” continues Bernadette Moreau. Repression is also necessary, but what is very important is exemplarity, because no matter what. We learn a lot, once in the public space, we must set an example for the youngest.
Following the death of Paul Varry, the Ministry of Transport launched a “mission against road violence”.
*The study was carried out online, from February 19 to March 19, 2024. The French sample includes 2,413 people, out of a total of 12,413 people interviewed, according to the quota method.
Source: BFM TV
