Bike Theft Surge Threatens Paris’s Cycling Ambitions, Some Stolen Bicycles Shipped Abroad

Paris, which aspires to become the capital of cycling, has its work cut out. In total, 17 bicycle thefts are recorded per day in the capital by the prefecture of police, reports We Demain. Nicolas Louvet, from the 6t research office, also reveals that a third of Parisian cyclists, although equipped with anti-theft devices, have had their two-wheelers stolen at least once in ten years. Only 2 to 3% of those who are not equipped with a registration system are found, it is specified. Others are sold on websites or transported to countries like Morocco.

In addition to bicycle theft, there are accidents that can hinder Paris’ ambition. Accidents have increased by 30% in one year with 580 reported injuries and 4 deaths in the first eight months of 2020. Collisions with cars or trucks and indiscipline of cyclists are the cause of these accidents. Another significant handicap: vandalism. As evidenced by the observations on the ground: bicycles with burned tires or thrown into the Seine, whose wheels are often found twisted, cables torn off or even the rear lights broken, etc.