For three days, from Thursday 21 to Saturday 23 October 2021, Bordeaux Metropolis and tunnel boring machine organized several events at Bordeaux (Gironde) in various places in the city, on the occasion of the launch of the new safety campaign on tram and bus tracks.

Stands sensitization and D’information, electric scooter virtual simulator, diving workshops, moments of discussion with agents from different TBM departments… A fun and participatory way of reminding everyone of the importance of good behavior near trams and buses.

110 accidents counted from January to August 2021

Between the start of the year and the month of August, 110 accidents involving a vehicle, a bicycle or a pedestrian with the tram were recorded by KBM (Kéolis Bordeaux Metropolis). A slight increase compared to 2020, which is explained in particular by the health crisis and confinements.

Another figure on the rise since the start of the year: the average number of emergency braking practiced each day by drivers to avoid pedestrians, cyclists or motorists on tram tracks.

Between 2018 and 2020, 191 collisions between the tram and users of soft modes took place on the network. Among these accidents, TBM and Bordeaux Métropole recorded 14 serious injuries and five deaths.

“Before, we focused awareness campaigns around pedestrians and trams. But with the development of cycle paths, shared lanes used by buses and the use of soft modes of circulation such as electric scooters, we have extended the safety campaign to buses, so that all means of transport can coexist together. and guarantee everyone’s safety, ”explains a TBM agent, present at Les Quinconces.

Three afternoons to meet users

This Saturday afternoon was the last of the three stages of animation and prevention. Passed by the Place de la Victoire and the Place Stalingrad, the TBM teams set up in Les Quinconces. On site: a parked bus surrounded by models representing cyclists, colorful stands and of course, the imposing mascot of the prevention campaign, Karlo the Rhino. A yellow sculpture, branded with the TBM logo, recalling that the weight of a tram is equivalent to that of 40 rhinos. Something to ponder over the consequences of a collision …

On this first holiday weekend, young people and families come to play and discuss various subjects with the agents of the TBM network. A father tries his hand at V-Trott, a virtual electric scooter simulator developed by the Bordeaux start-up Mwheel, helping the user to improve his driving in a real situation.

In the parked bus, it is possible to take the driver’s seat to understand the visibility space and in particular to view blind spots. But also, quite simply, to discuss with the personnel of TBM.

A playful approach to raising awareness

Are you allowed to get on the bus or tram with your bike? What are the mandatory scooter equipment? What are the risky behaviors? As many questions ask the agents of TBM provide answers by discussing, or during participatory and fun workshops. Regulations, visibility, sanctions, reactions to danger: the public was able to (re) discover many themes during these three awareness-raising afternoons.

On the communication side, the campaign continues on social networks, as well as with various visuals reminiscent of the world of video games. A way of remembering that, like a little character having to jump over the flames, we only have one life and that it is therefore essential to take care of it.

“Our collective responsibility is engaged, whether we travel on foot, by bicycle, by scooter, by scooter, by motorbike, by car, by bus or by tram, we can all act to take care and live better together”, remind TBM and Bordeaux Metropolis.

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