Fines for bad cyclists

ROAD safety authorities in France are calling for more fines to be issued to cyclists who put themselves and other road users in danger. 

It is believed that the widespread handing out of token fines would reduce the number of accidents involving push bikes, as well as limiting cyclist deaths, which are up 6% this year. 

It comes after a recent survey by an insurance company that found that 44% of cyclists had a feeling of impunity – believing that police were not interested in pursuing them for minor breaches of the Code de la Route. 

Cycling fines have already been tested out in Strasbourg, where more than 800 have been handed out since 2012. The city has reported a 37% fall in accidents since. 

Many believe that cycling fines should be extended to all French cities and big towns. Nine breaches of the Code de la Route would initially be covered,  including cycling up one-way streets, ignoring red lights and stop signs, using a mobile phone and refusing to give way to pedestrians on a crossing. 

And before the cycling lobby raise their hackles at this, the French are pretty tough on motorists, too.

Read more at: http://www.connexionfrance.com/cycling-fines-france-highway-code-proposal-16426-view-article.html#sthash.dDZLES7y.dpuf.

Ban of hoardings

Ban on advertising hoardings in Grenoble

ADVERTISING hoardings are being banned in the streets of Grenoble – and the ecologist mayor, Eric Piolle, is planning to replace them with trees.

The Mairie says it is not renewing its annual contract in a move that will cost €150,000 a year. Only stand-alone panels are affected as bus-stops will still carry advertising for the moment.

Grenoble was the first city in France to elect an ecologist mayor and getting rid of the hoardings was a campaign promise by Eric Piolle. It is a first in France and Europe.

- See more at: http://www.connexionfrance.com/Billboards-advertising-hoardings-Grenoble-Piolle-ban-16378-view-article.html#sthash.tr3dc34v.dpuf