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.
Since September 1, motorized two-wheelers have 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 migration to “less polluting mobility and sweeter”.
“We are an easy target,” retorted an irritated biker, Xavier Nougarede, to him on Saturday, interviewed by AFP.
This protester domiciled in the Yvelines seriously 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 complains.
Also coming to protest 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 expensive equipment in the RER. “Or else I come by taxi every day!” he exclaims.
To park in the streets of Paris, the drivers of motorized two-wheelers (2RM) must since Thursday pay a payment 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.
Two companies have been commissioned by the city of Paris to track down offenders. These service providers must carry out 2,000 checks per day.
