The decision to close Lyon’s Montée du Chemin Neuf to cars, intended to enhance cyclist safety, appears to have inadvertently created a new set of challenges. While an adolescent girl is fortunately recovering from a severe fall on the steep incline, the incident has ignited a critical discussion about the perceived invulnerability of cyclists and the adequacy of equipment, particularly the popular Vélo’v rental bikes.
The Montée du Chemin Neuf: A Double-Edged Sword for Cyclists
For years, the Montée du Chemin Neuf, with its average gradient of 7.2% and sections reaching 13%, was a shared route for both cars and bicycles. However, the municipal environmentalist administration’s decision to restrict car access, finalized in June 2025, aimed to transform it into a safer haven for cyclists. The recent accident, and numerous near misses reported by residents, suggest this has not been entirely successful.
Witnesses describe cyclists descending the slope at high speeds, often braking at the last minute before a sharp turn, or even navigating the cobbled Rue de la Bombarde without significant caution. A staff member from the restaurant Les Lyonnais, who witnessed the recent accident, described it as “very violent, she was propelled forward headfirst into the wall.”
Antoine, a commenter on Lyon People, questions whether reintroducing cars would truly improve safety, arguing it would only add another source of accidents. He suggests education, training for young cyclists, and increased police controls to deter reckless behavior. Zygomar, another commenter, proposes changing the direction of traffic to force cyclists to ascend rather than descend, thereby naturally limiting speed.
Are Vélo’v Bikes Up to the Task?
A significant concern raised is the condition of the equipment, especially the Vélo’v rental bikes. The 14-year-old involved in the accident was riding a Vélo’v without a helmet, a common sight on the Montée du Chemin Neuf. More specifically, the electric Vélo’v bikes, popular for their assisted pedaling, are drawing criticism for their braking performance.
Online forums, such as Reddit, are rife with complaints. User ‘jckflash’ writes, “The brakes, it’s abusive, it’s really becoming complicated to find a decent bike.” ‘Useful_difficulty115’ concurs, stating, “The condition is starting to scare for some.”
JCDecaux, the company behind Vélo’v, previously acknowledged issues with disc brakes on their electric models. In September of last year, they explained to Le Figaro that the e-Vélo’v bikes, due to their increased acceleration and usage, experience higher brake temperatures, leading to noise. At the time, JCDecaux maintained that these overheating issues did not compromise braking effectiveness. However, the recent accident, and the ongoing public discourse, may prompt a re-evaluation of this claim.
The Broader Implications: Urban Planning and Cyclist Behavior
The Montée du Chemin Neuf saga is not merely about a single accident or a specific type of bicycle. It’s a microcosm of the larger challenges facing urban planning in cities like Lyon, which are striving to promote sustainable transport while ensuring public safety.
The current situation highlights a tension between providing cyclists with more freedom from vehicular traffic and the potential for this freedom to be misinterpreted as an invitation for unchecked speed. As Bernard, a commenter, put it, “It’s brilliant. What journalism. Albert Londres. These photos are very telling. Bravo! Keep it up!” referring to the visual evidence of cyclists’ daring descents.
BERTIN emphasizes the lack of helmets for both cyclists and scooter riders, and the dangerous practice of riding two people on a scooter, as contributing factors to accidents. He advocates for basic user education and stricter enforcement of traffic laws, including for motorcycles on sidewalks.
Stephane highlights the need to resurface the road for safety, noting the perpetually damp conditions at the bottom of the descent, even on dry mornings. He also calls for frequent controls to deter both speeding cyclists and motorists who ignore the car ban.
A Call for Balance and Responsibility
The debate surrounding the Montée du Chemin Neuf underscores the need for a balanced approach to urban mobility. While creating car-free zones is a commendable step towards greener cities, it must be accompanied by comprehensive safety measures, including robust infrastructure, reliable equipment, and effective user education.
The Métropole de Lyon, now responsible for road management, faces the task of adapting the layout of the Montée du Chemin Neuf. This could involve considering measures to slow down cyclists, or even, as some have controversially suggested, reintroducing cars to mitigate the “ski slope” mentality. As Lolo sarcastically suggests, perhaps “we should ban: – bikes – descents – Greg Doudou.”
The incident serves as a stark reminder that even well-intentioned urban planning can have unintended consequences. Ensuring the safety of all road users, particularly the most vulnerable, requires continuous monitoring, adaptation, and a willingness to address difficult questions about individual responsibility and collective well-being.
