Lyon, May 23, 2026 – Authorities in Lyon’s 5th arrondissement have implemented new safety measures on the Chemin-Neuf following a series of serious accidents involving cyclists. A pedagogical radar was installed this week, and discussions are underway regarding the potential reopening of the road to all vehicular traffic.
Safety Enhancements on Chemin-Neuf
The decision to act came after two violent accidents involving young electric Vélo’v cyclists at the bottom of the Chemin-Neuf descent. Residents and witnesses had called for immediate action to ensure the safety of both cyclists and pedestrians on this route, which had been transformed into a “bike street.”
The Métropole de Lyon’s experiment, which aimed to make this axis part of the Lyon Voie 12 by reducing car traffic (reserved only for authorized users), was made permanent in April 2025. This led to an 80% increase in cyclists and a decrease in car traffic. While some residents appreciated the reduction in noise pollution, others complained about difficulties in car circulation.
Accompanied by the Métropole de Lyon (now under right-wing leadership with Véronique Sarselli), Thomas Rudigoz, the mayor of the arrondissement, presented several measures earlier in May aimed at securing the descent and potentially reopening the road to all vehicles.
Radar and Signage Installed
Mayor Rudigoz expressed concern over the previous lack of action, stating, “It’s quite shocking that nothing was done for two years, with more than insufficient signage and only one panel to indicate the slope. When you install a bike route without warning of the danger, I find that questionable.”
A pedagogical radar was installed on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, along with several new signs warning of the steep incline and sharp turn. Rumble strips are also planned for installation by June to encourage cyclists to slow down.
“We are considering putting a full barrier back [in the turn at the bottom of the slope] to prevent further accidents involving pedestrians, with white chevrons on a blue background to clearly mark the turn, as well as road markings to remind users of the 30 km/h speed limit,” Rudigoz added.
Increased Controls and Fines
When questioned about the effectiveness of these measures, an engineer from the Métropole, who was configuring the radar, noted, “Cars generally respect the rules, but it’s mostly cyclists who exceed 30 km/h. It’s good to raise awareness. It’s up to people to be sensitive to it.” This radar had been previously installed and removed multiple times during the experimental phase to prevent users from becoming accustomed to it.
Maxime, whose workshop is located at the scene of one of the accidents, commented, “Apart from warning that the turn is dangerous, I don’t see what else could help… For five days after the accident, the police were there every day checking cyclists. That’s good.”
Thomas Rudigoz welcomed the increased police operations since the accident, stating, “I asked for increased controls, which was done by the city hall, and it’s very good. There have been fines. This must continue for some time.”
Potential Reopening to All Cars
In early May, Thomas Rudigoz and the right-wing executive of the Métropole de Lyon expressed their desire to reopen Chemin-Neuf to all cars (excluding heavy goods vehicles). This decision is not expected to involve new local consultations.
“We have made a number of commitments to reopen these axes, Rockefeller, Grenette… In the 5th, the mayor of Lyon was defeated in all three elections. And the program was there. I want all the consultations in the world, but we are coming out of a universal suffrage election, and the residents have decided,” Rudigoz asserted.
The idea is not to prohibit bicycle traffic. The official elaborated, “We need to find a way to coexist. We cannot prohibit car access; that is excessive. Except on weekday mornings, from 7:30 to 9:30, when the number of bicycles might justify it. We will consider how to do this, and that’s why we won’t reopen immediately. We will try to link it to the opening of Rue Grenette.”
Mixed Reactions from Residents
On site, the idea of reopening to cars has been met with mixed reactions. Lise, who works on the slope, believes, “People have gotten used to this system; changing it again could confuse them.” A passerby predicted, “Reopening access to all cars will be a mess.”
Medhi, a craftsman who regularly uses the road by car, stated, “Reopening here would be a bad idea. It gets congested, and when there are too many people, it’s better to avoid too much traffic.” Conversely, a VTC driver living in the arrondissement argued, “It would reduce traffic jams on Montée de Choulans! If we respect the speed limit, cyclists go faster than us.”
Thibaut, a resident of the Saint-Just plateau, riding his green Vélo’v uphill, commented, “For me, it’s practical that it’s a bike path, but I understand the inconvenience for people passing through for whom it’s complicated. You see bikes doing anything, and that’s about people’s education, and controls can help. Cohabitation might bring more danger… Above all, we need to find solutions to make it safer.”
Thomas Rudigoz plans to meet with various associations, both for and against the proposal, by this summer to discuss the issue. However, he emphasized, “Circulating in contact with cars can be done safely.” A decision is expected this summer.
