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French minister to address road safety after cyclist death sparks protests

A man rides past a bicycle counter in Paris, Wednesday, 13 September 2023
A man rides past a bicycle counter in Paris, Wednesday, 13 September 2023 Copyright  AP Photo/John Leicester, File
Copyright AP Photo/John Leicester, File
By Oman Al Yahyai with AP
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After the tragic death of cyclist and advocate Paul Varry, allegedly killed by an SUV driver in Paris, protests have erupted across France, demanding safer roads for people on bicycles.

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France’s minister of transportation is set to meet with cycling associations on Monday, following the death of 27-year-old cyclist Paul Varry in Paris, allegedly run over deliberately by an SUV driver. The driver now faces preliminary murder charges. 

Varry’s death has sparked nationwide protests demanding safer roads for cyclists and an end to “motorised violence”. 

Varry, a passionate advocate for urban cycling, was well-known for his efforts to improve cycling infrastructure in Saint-Ouen, in northern Paris. 

On Saturday, hundreds gathered to honour him, with groups like Paris en Selle promising to continue his campaign for safer streets. 

Transportation Minister François Durovray expressed his condolences to Varry’s family and affirmed that cyclists “have a place on the road".

He sees Monday’s meeting as a crucial step in addressing the safety concerns raised by the cycling community, which has been deeply shaken by Varry’s death.

The incident has sparked debates on road safety and cyclist protection, especially as urban cycling increases across France.

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