France’s northern city of Lille has responded to complaints from frightened or injured pedestrians by banning cyclists, scooters and skateboarders from its pedestrianized streets… unless they’re willing to walk. The rules apply weekdays on the city’s shopping streets.
City officials, who got some criticism for making life harder for cyclists and perhaps discouraging them from riding instead of driving, promised there will be other pro-bike measures in future.
The first step for the new rules is posting of signs with the rules; eventually fines of €35 to €135 will be levied.
Similar action has been taken in recent months in several other French cities including Nice and Agen.
As a cyclist – and pedestrian – I agree: shared paths and spaces simply do not work. However, the solution cannot be forcing cyclists to dismount. The sensible approach involves segregating the two, but that, of course, requires planning and investment.