Lyon’s Bold Move for Safer Streets: Cycling Police to Expand Amidst 54% Accident Drop
LYON, FRANCE – August 26, 2025 – In a significant win for pedestrian and cyclist safety, the city of Lyon today announced a dramatic 54% reduction in serious road accidents since 2023. Mayor Grégory Doucet unveiled the encouraging figures alongside plans to bolster the municipal police’s cycling brigade, signaling a continued commitment to prioritizing vulnerable road users. This is breaking news for urban planning and road safety advocates, and a testament to Lyon’s proactive approach.
A City Prioritizing Pedestrians: The ‘City 30’ Impact
The impressive decline in accidents is largely attributed to the implementation of the “City 30” initiative – a widespread reduction of speed limits to 30 km/h (approximately 18.6 mph) throughout much of Lyon. This isn’t just about slowing cars down; it’s about fundamentally reshaping the urban landscape to favor people over vehicles. As Mayor Doucet emphasized, “In Lyon, since the start of the mandate, pedestrians have been given priority. It is to him that we must bring the most security.” Early data from 2023 already showed a 35% drop in accidents following the initial rollout of City 30, and the latest figures confirm a sustained positive trend.
But the City 30 initiative is just one piece of the puzzle. Lyon has been actively investing in infrastructure improvements designed to create safer streets, including dedicated bike lanes, pedestrian zones, and traffic calming measures. These changes, combined with increased enforcement, are creating a more livable and secure environment for everyone.
More Boots on the Ground: Cycling Police Expansion
To further reinforce these efforts, the municipal police cycling brigade will be expanded from its current 15 agents to 25 in the coming months. This expansion, approved through a deliberation at the September municipal council, includes the recruitment of ten additional officers. Assistant in charge of security, Mohamed Chihi, described the unit as “Essential in the city of Lyon,” highlighting its crucial role in enforcing traffic laws and promoting responsible road use.
Today’s police check on Cours Lafayette, at the intersection with Avenue Maréchal de Saxe, served as a visible demonstration of the brigade’s work. While the focus was on cyclists and scooter users, the underlying message was clear: all road users must adhere to the highway code. Currently, the police are issuing an average of 200 citations to cyclists and scooter riders annually, primarily for infractions like wearing headphones or running red lights – a significant increase from the mere four citations issued in 2019. However, the approach remains largely pedagogical, with officers prioritizing education over punitive measures in most cases (sanctioning one out of every four checks).
Beyond Lyon: A Global Trend Towards People-Centric Cities
Lyon’s commitment to pedestrian and cyclist safety is part of a growing global movement towards “people-centric” urban planning. Cities around the world are recognizing that prioritizing walking, cycling, and public transportation not only improves safety but also enhances quality of life, reduces pollution, and fosters more vibrant communities. The success of Lyon’s City 30 initiative provides a valuable case study for other cities considering similar measures.
Looking ahead, Mayor Doucet reaffirmed Lyon’s ambitious goal of achieving zero road fatalities by 2050. While a challenging target, the city’s recent progress demonstrates a clear commitment to making that vision a reality. The expansion of the cycling police, coupled with ongoing infrastructure improvements and a continued focus on pedestrian safety, positions Lyon as a leader in urban mobility and road safety innovation. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of this developing story and the latest insights into sustainable urban development.
