Day 167 marks the ongoing struggle of Los Angeles’ Vision Zero initiative aimed at eliminating traffic deaths by 2025.
The London Sunday Times has once again lifted its paywall, enabling more readers to access an article that expresses skepticism towards cycling in Paris.
The piece portrays cyclists in Paris as entitled individuals who endanger vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, while branding bicycles as symbols of aggression and urban disarray.
Such narratives suggest a wider conflict against automobiles, yet the focus remains on the behavior of cyclists and their apparent disregard for traffic regulations.
Comparatively, motorists, who increasingly resent losing road space to dedicated cycling lanes, label cyclists as ‘bobos,’ a French term denoting privileged hipsters.
Moreover, the rise in delivery cyclists, often racing against tight deadlines on their heavy electric machines, has exacerbated tensions on the roads.
Interestingly, despite the European Union’s regulations that limit ebikes to a maximum speed of 15.5 mph, many riders seem to exhibit reckless behaviors.
A recent survey conducted across Paris and nine other French cities uncovered concerning trends: 88 percent of cyclists admitted to breaking traffic laws, with 75 percent observed riding on pavements.
Moreover, 55 percent confessed to failing to signal their turns and another 55 percent admitted to running red lights.
The data indicates young cyclists are often the most reckless, with three-quarters neglecting to wear helmets or reflective gear and a quarter riding without lights.
Contrary to the stereotype of rude drivers, however, statistics reveal that motor vehicles were responsible for the vast majority of 451 pedestrian and 222 cyclist fatalities in France last year.
By contrast, only three pedestrians were killed by bicycles and six by electric scooters, although these figures have risen from previous years.
This rise aligns with the increased ridership of bicycles and e-scooters following the mayor’s initiative to transform Paris into a more bike-friendly 15-minute city.
Given this context, one could argue that an uptick in accidents should be expected, particularly as electric motorbikes are often misclassified as bicycles.
Adding a sprinkle of irony, Chantal from Nancy observed that the problems seemed consistent across French cities, stating, “The French mentality is that even if something is banned, you still do it, and it doesn’t matter.”
A recent incident in San Diego highlighted these issues when a 54-year-old woman was seriously injured in a collision while riding an ebike.
Authorities indicated she left the bike lane prematurely on Fairmount Ave and collided with a car’s side mirror.
However, alternative perspectives suggest that the driver may have been less than compliant with California’s three-foot passing law, leading to the collision in the first place.
Some critics of the road design itself argue that it inadequately accommodates cyclists, forcing them to leave designated lanes unexpectedly.
In other news, justice has finally been served for Magnus White, a 17-year-old rising member of the US Cycling Team, who was tragically killed by a driver in Colorado.
The driver, a 24-year-old Ukrainian immigrant, was sentenced to four years in state prison after being convicted of felony vehicular homicide – recklessly driving while intoxicated.
The punishment included a mandatory minimum of three years behind bars, a significant consequence considering the potential for lesser sentences or probation.
On a brighter note, a new bike path has been established around the tennis courts at Griffith Park, providing enhanced safety for cyclists in the area.
In another instance of cycling-related innovation, a comment within the cycling community noted the efficiency of bicycles compared to traditional tour buses.
Simultaneously, tensions surrounding the so-called ‘war on cars’ and the fight for bike infrastructure continue.
In New York, Mayor Eric Adams has shown signs of catering to constituents in Brooklyn by agreeing to remove portions of a protected bike lane following safety concerns raised by locals.
Nevertheless, he might want to consider that bike lane supporters may outnumber critics in the city.
Today also marks the deadline for public feedback on the Draft PCH Master Plan Feasibility Study, an effort to address safety on Southern California’s notorious highway.
In state news, a San Francisco Standard writer reflects on their experience participating in the last AIDS/LifeCycle ride, despite the announcement of two new three-day rides next year.
On a national level, advocates from People For Bikes are raising alarms over the proposed elimination of the 16-year-old federal Bicycle Commuter Benefit.
Originally a $20 monthly tax rebate to foster bike commuting, its removal is currently being discussed among House Republicans.
Meanwhile, five cyclists suffered injuries on Saturday when a group ride went awry outside of Sterling, Colorado, resulting in three individuals requiring hospitalization, though no vehicles were involved.
Internationally, Momentum has begun advocating for cycling that embraces a slower speed and is free from spandex constrains.
Additionally, Tom’s Guide published essential maintenance checks to prepare bicycles for the summer months, which many in Southern California might already have addressed earlier in the season.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura recently shared images of his visit to Havana, where he engaged with local youths and enjoyed a ride in a Cuban pedicab.
In Toronto, issues with the bikeshare system have arisen; officials acknowledge growth has placed significant demands on the service, prompting them to look towards New York’s Citi Bike for potential solutions.
Conversely, Montreal and Quebec City face hurdles as inadequate infrastructure—specifically poorly placed garbage bins and the presence of vehicles—discourages cycling among residents.
Aston Martin has teamed up with J.Laverack, a titanium bicycle manufacturer, to create a uniquely designed bicycle that integrates advanced engineering practices typically associated with Formula 1 vehicles.
Additionally, Smithsonian explores the Vätternrundan, a 60-year-old recreational cycling event in Sweden that has grown to become the largest in the world, taking participants around Lake Vättern.
Travel + Leisure suggests a luxury bike tour through Romania as an ideal way to experience its historic villages, castles, vineyards, and remnants of its communist history.
In an encouraging turn of events, Malaysian authorities took accountability for poor roadway conditions following the death of a Singaporean cyclist, citing ‘crocodile cracking’ from heavy vehicles and ordering repairs.
On the competitive front, Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar triumphed in the Critérium du Dauphiné, winning nine out of 21 stages despite facing tough competition from rival Jonas Vingegaard.
On a critical note, legendary rider Eddy Merckx expressed dissatisfaction with modern cyclists, suggesting today’s riders do not race as frequently or intensely and tend to be easily dropped from contention.
In local highlights, a 50-year-old Iowa math teacher embarks on the demanding 2,745-mile Tour Divide, cycling from Canada to Mexico for a second time—an impressive undertaking.
In a quirky juxtaposition, a bicycle enthusiast has chosen to express their faith by embarking on a cross-country ride using a BMX bike, underscoring creativity in approaching traditional practices.
Moreover, in a rather absurd development, an individual faced an attempted murder charge has decided to take a bike ride, showing a bizarre approach to legal consequences.
As always, we encourage everyone to remain safe, healthy, and to get vaccinated if they have not yet done so.
And on a final note, we maintain our stance against oppressive regimes.
image source from：https://bikinginla.com/2025/06/16/passive-aggressive-paris-bikelash-screed-cops-blame-san-diego-ebike-victim-and-four-years-for-magnus-white-killer/
