In recent years, Paris has seen a significant rise in cycling rates. However, the death of 27-year-old Paul Varry—allegedly struck by a driver—reveals a darker side to Paris's cycling revolution. Paul's colleague Corentin believes, "This was not an accident." The incident underscores the ongoing tensions between cyclists and drivers in the city.
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02-24, 2025We are standing at the edge of the Boulevard Malesherbes cycle lane, just steps from where Paul was run over by an SUV on October 15, 2024. A criminal investigation is currently underway regarding the moments leading up to his death. The investigation aims to determine the exact circumstances and assign responsibility for the tragic event.
Witnesses and CCTV footage indicate that Paul was cycling home from work, with the cycle lane separated from the road only by a slightly raised curb. The SUV driver began to move into the cycle lane, and prosecutors say the driver ran over Paul's foot. Paul tapped on the hood, and the driver initially reversed, but then allegedly drove into Paul again. An autopsy confirmed that "his body was crushed by the vehicle." The details highlight the vulnerability of cyclists in shared road spaces.
The 52-year-old driver has been charged with murder. His lawyer says he may have lost control of the vehicle while trying to get out of a stressful situation. At a hearing attended by Agence France-Presse, he said through tears: "I am sorry that this happened. I never wanted to hit him." The driver's explanation suggests a potential defense strategy centered on unintentionality and loss of control.
Under Mayor Anne Hidalgo, cycling in Paris has surged, part of a broader transformation. Over the past decade, the city has invested €400 million (£331 million) in cycling infrastructure, creating over 1,000 kilometers of cycle lanes. A recent study suggests that cycling now accounts for over 11% of journeys within Paris, compared to just 4% for cars. Walking remains the most popular mode of transport, accounting for 53% of total journeys, followed by public transport at 30%. These figures demonstrate the city's commitment to promoting sustainable transportation options.
Despite the investment, cycling in Paris can still feel dangerous. Cycle lanes are fragmented, lack uniformity, and often lack dedicated traffic lights. Rules about right-of-way are not always clear and are frequently violated, making it difficult for cyclists to navigate safely. Paul Varry's death was an extreme incident, but it resonated and has become a symbol of the daily battle for space on Paris's streets. The incident highlights the need for improved infrastructure and enforcement of traffic regulations to protect cyclists.
Paul's mother, Nathalie Tison, recalls her son as a carefree person who loved the freedom of cycling. "He was a very happy and lively person, he had a sense of humor and was always very gentle with those around him. It's so unfair because he shouldn't have suffered something like that." She told me she had always worried about the dangers of her son cycling in Paris, as she finds some drivers have a sense of superiority. "Drivers can be very aggressive – nothing should stand in their way," she says. "For some people, the car is an extension of their manhood, and if someone touches their car… it's seen as a personal attack. I was always afraid for him." Her concerns reflect a broader sentiment about the challenges of sharing road space in Paris.
Paul understood these risks and was an active member of the cycling group Paris en Selle (Paris in the Saddle). He actively campaigned for more segregated spaces and safer intersections for bicycles. Advocates hope that the progress Paris has made will continue. Rémi Féraud, a Socialist senator and Anne Hidalgo's preferred choice to be future mayor, does not dream of a car-free future, "because some Parisians own a car." "But by reducing the space for cars, we leave it for those who really need to drive," he says. "We want a 100% cyclable city… it's a freedom offer." The senator's vision emphasizes a balanced approach that accommodates both cyclists and drivers.
Opening up more street space for cyclists involves restricting space for cars. The number of parking spaces in Paris has been halved, and certain vehicles have been banned from the city. Some drivers, particularly those from the suburbs, feel that the city's car reduction policies are making their lives more difficult. "Driving in Paris is like going to war," says Shamy, a 24-year-old midwife. "There are no rules." I am sitting in his car as he is straddling a cycle lane – he can't reverse as someone is walking there, and the cars are bumper-to-bumper in front of us. What would he do if he had a conflict with a cyclist? "I just say sorry." The driver's frustration reflects the challenges of navigating the city's changing transportation landscape.
Shamy dropped me off as we approached an area in the city center where through-traffic is banned – one of several measures that have angered business owners. Patrick Aboukrat, who owns a fashion boutique in the Marais shopping district, has launched legal action with other members of the Comité Marais Paris, the business association he leads, to try to overturn some of the new regulations. He says they are losing customers, and some people are planning to sell up. "When young people say they want to open a shop, I say 'Open a shop in the suburbs, go outside Paris.' We do understand that we need to reduce cars in the city center. I said to the mayor, we want to work together to change the plan. But they don't listen. It's ideological." The business owner's perspective highlights the economic impact of the city's transportation policies on local businesses.
But Senator Féraud instead argues that the rise of online shopping is to blame. Polls show that residents living inside Paris's main ring road – only 30% of whom own a car – don't mind the traffic restriction measures. Suburban residents tend to drive more, but they are not eligible to vote for the mayor of Paris or influence its transport policies. The differing opinions reflect the urban-suburban divide in attitudes towards transportation policies.
Alexandra Legendre, of the Drivers' Defence League, a lobby group representing motorists, says that "driving in Paris is not for pleasure, it's hell." She argues that the authorities are prioritizing cyclists at the expense of everyone else. She accuses politicians of being blinded by a desire to transform Paris into a cycling paradise – disregarding road safety. She insists that car drivers cannot be seen as "the only bad guys." The lobby group's perspective emphasizes the need for a more balanced approach that considers the needs of all road users.
Paul Varry's death is widely regarded as a tragedy, but Ms. Legendre does not believe it has anything to do with the fact that he was a cyclist. As European capitals face pressure to cut transport-related carbon emissions, Paris is grappling with the challenges of its cycling revolution. The EU's Green Deal aims to cut transport-related greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2050. The tragedy underscores the complex interplay between transportation policies, road safety, and environmental goals.
Paul's colleague Corentin points out that while Paris is still far from perfect, the infrastructure has improved significantly, making it easier and safer than ever to enjoy the scenery. "We are in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and there is no better way to appreciate it than by bike." The colleague's perspective emphasizes the positive aspects of the city's cycling revolution.
The steady stream of bicycles whizzing along the Rue de Rivoli – a street that was a major thoroughfare until 2020 – indicates that the shift towards bike-friendly urban spaces is irreversible. Paul's mother hopes that the safe transformation of Paris's streets will become part of her son's legacy. The transformation of the Rue de Rivoli serves as a tangible example of the city's commitment to promoting cycling.
A trial date has not yet been set. When the trial eventually comes, she will come face-to-face for the first time with the man accused of causing her son's death. The authorities have told her he is a father of four. She points out that two families are "broken." She believes that the way Paul lived and died must be a catalyst for change. "He was so intelligent, wise, sensitive – it's such a waste. We are broken into a thousand pieces. We have to ask ourselves, what kind of society do we want to live in?" The mother's plea underscores the human cost of road traffic incidents and the need for systemic change.
