bikers demonstrate around the Town Hall
Since September 1, thermal motorized two-wheelers have had to pay to park in the streets of the capital.
Several hundred backfiring motorcyclists gathered this Saturday on the handlebars of their machines in Paris, to denounce the establishment of paid parking for two-wheelers with thermal engines by the municipality.
Gathered at the call of the French Federation of Angry Bikers (FFMC), the demonstrators – more than 500 according to an AFP journalist – deployed around the Town Hall at midday, before dispersing without incident.
“An Easy Target”
Since September 1, thermal motorized two-wheelers have had to pay to park in the streets of the capital. Debated for years, the measure imposed by the socialist mayor Anne Hidalgo aims to reduce air pollution and noise pollution but also to promote a “better balance of public space» and the migration to «less polluting and softer mobility“.
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“We’re an easy target“Retorted Saturday an irritated biker, Xavier Nougarede, interviewed by AFP. This manifesto domiciled in the Yvelines simply doubts the effectiveness of paid parking to reduce pollution. “I hardly ever go to Paris anymore, it’s going to become a city under glass“, he curses.
Also coming from his suburbs, Mathieu Mendez assures us that his motorcycle is essential to him. “If I was in Paris, I wouldn’t need two wheels“, he pleads. Sound engineer, he explains that he cannot travel by car, nor transport his required equipment in the RER. “Or else I come by taxi every day! he exclaims.
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To park in the streets of Paris, drivers of motorized two-wheelers (2WD) must since September 1 pay a fee if it is a thermal vehicle. In the center of the capital, parking costs 3 euros per hour compared to 2 euros in the outer districts. The fine for non-payment of parking ranges from 25 to 37.50 euros depending on the area. Inconvenient or dangerous parking is punishable by a fine of 135 euros.
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