- In all major French cities (except Paris), wearing a mask is required for pedestrians and cyclists when it is mandatory outdoors.
- Relying on the WHO, cycling associations dispute the relevance of wearing a mask on a bicycle.
- The FUB asks the prefects to review their copy.
Discontent is mounting among cyclists circulating in the main French cities. At issue: wearing a mask outdoors, compulsory for pedestrians in the busiest sectors, but also for bicycle users. Anxious not to differentiate between users, all the prefectures have imposed the same decision, with the notable exception of Paris where, after procrastination, only pedestrians are subject to the obligation.
A situation and a difference of treatment which arouse the incomprehension of the local associations of cyclists. The French Federation of Bicycle Users (FUB), which brings together 300 associations and claims to defend the interests of 17 million cyclists, does not intend to stop there.
"It can be awkward for breathing"
"We are contesting the decision of the prefects because, if we rely on scientific data, the mask on a bicycle is not necessary," explains Olivier Schneider, president of the FUB. This is what the World Health Organization (WHO) explains. Outside, given the natural ventilation at a certain speed, wearing a mask is not justified. On the contrary, it can be troublesome for breathing, especially for people with asthma. We therefore see no relevant argument to this obligation, apart from the possible one not to create tensions with pedestrians. "
The FUB, which reports having received many messages and tweets on this subject, fears that the wearing of the compulsory mask "discourages trips by bicycle" at a time when "they should, on the contrary, be encouraged".
"The bicycle is not taken seriously by the authorities"
"We therefore ask the prefects and mayors to review their decrees, as the Paris police headquarters did," announces Olivier Schneider. If the authorities do not reverse their decision, we will consider all possible remedies. In the meantime, the FUB "does not call for disobedience". The absence of a mask in public places where it is compulsory exposes the offender to a fine of 135 euros.
More generally, Olivier Schneider does not "understand" why there remains a difference of appreciation between the prefecture of Paris and the others. “It illustrates once again that the bicycle is not taken seriously evenly by the authorities. It reminds us of the first days of confinement where cyclists were fined when they moved. We have a little the impression of having to convince each time. "
After initially declaring that the obligation to wear a mask applied to pedestrians and cyclists, the Paris police headquarters finally changed its mind on August 12. "Users of soft traffic modes such as bicycles or scooters are not affected by this obligation, insofar as, being passing through, they do not run the risk of contact in the lanes in which they travel", she justifies in a press release.
Society
Coronavirus in Montpellier: A resident is suing the prefectural decree imposing the wearing of a mask outdoors
Economy
Coronavirus: Wearing a mask, physical distancing ... We take stock of the new health rules in companies
- Covid 19
- Transport
- Coronavirus
- Bike
- Cyclist
- Society