PARIS — France’s Minister of Transportation, François Durovray, is set to meet with cycling associations on Monday following the tragic death of 27-year-old cyclist Paul Varry, allegedly killed by an SUV driver in Paris. The driver now faces preliminary murder charges, and the incident has ignited national outrage over road safety for cyclists.
Varry, a well-known advocate for urban cycling and active in improving cycling infrastructure in Saint-Ouen, northern Paris, was reportedly run over deliberately, raising concerns about “motorised violence” against cyclists. His death has triggered protests across France, with demonstrators demanding safer roads for cyclists and stricter measures to protect them from dangerous drivers.
Hundreds of mourners gathered on Saturday to honour Varry, with advocacy groups such as Paris en Selle pledging to continue his fight for safer streets. The protests highlight growing frustration within the cycling community over the dangers they face on the road, especially as more people turn to bicycles for urban transport.
“Paul was a passionate advocate for cyclists and worked tirelessly to improve the infrastructure that would keep us safe. His death is a tragic reminder that we need stronger measures to protect cyclists,” said a representative from Paris en Selle, one of the groups leading the protests.
Durovray, who expressed his condolences to Varry’s family, acknowledged the urgency of the situation. “Cyclists have a place on the road, and their safety must be a priority,” he said in a statement. Monday’s meeting with cycling associations is seen as a critical step in addressing the safety concerns raised by Varry’s death and the broader cycling community.
The meeting will likely focus on proposals for stronger road safety regulations, better cycling infrastructure, and legal protections for cyclists. Advocacy groups have long called for dedicated bike lanes, stricter penalties for dangerous drivers, and increased public awareness of cyclist rights.
The incident has also sparked wider debate about road safety in France, particularly as urban cycling continues to rise across the country. Recent data shows a significant increase in the number of cyclists in major French cities, prompting calls for better infrastructure and legal protections to keep pace with the growing demand for safer cycling routes.
For now, Varry’s death serves as a rallying point for those advocating for cyclist safety, with his name becoming a symbol of the movement to end “motorised violence” on French roads. As the meeting approaches, many hope it will lead to concrete actions that will prevent similar tragedies in the future.
