GeofCoxMar 13

Almost 50 cities in France have already done away with paid tickets... "Nearly three million people in France can now use urban public transport without paying a fare. That number is likely to grow after the municipal elections... given the proliferation of proposals to make urban transport at least partially free."

https://www.lemonde.fr/en/economy/article/2026/03/12/french-cities-steady-march-toward-free-public-transport_6751388_19.html

French cities' steady march toward free public transport

Ahead of the municipal elections, candidates across the country have promised fare-free transport. Almost 50 cities have already done away with paid tickets, compared to just six before the 2000s.

Le Monde
Show threadErik Sandblom 🌻Mar 13

@GeofCox Why don’t people walk or cycle instead? It is already free. The answer is that authorities don’t want to restrict the speed of motor traffic. Instead they make cyclists wear helmets and hi-viz vests.

You can research the safety issue if you like. The short version is that personal protective equipment is a dead end. It is a distraction from safe cycling infrastructure. As are many things…

https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F34169

Équipements obligatoires à vélo

Pour circuler Ă  vĂ©lo, certains accessoires sont obligatoires et d'autres simplement recommandĂ©s : casque, gilet, phares, sonnette…

Show threadCoralie Renée

@eriksandblom @GeofCox

It is very dangerous unfortunately to ride a bike. The infrasyructure is car-friendly and definitely not bike-friendly... and/or walk-friendly

Mar 14 at 2:12pmWeb
Show threadErik Sandblom 🌻Mar 14
@globcoco @GeofCox This only confirms that the mayor must do more to make the streets safe for pedestrians and cyclists. Children must have safe routes to walk and cycle to school.