Fat bikes and hoverboards on French trains

The French national rail operator, SNCF, has decided to permit fat bikes and hoverboards on its trains, but passengers will need to pay a small deposit. This follows initial plans to ban these items, reflecting a shift in policy related to urban mobility.

Urban mobility and light vehicles

An editorial highlights the Netherlands' strategy of promoting light vehicles in cities to reduce the number of heavy vehicles, including electric ones. The piece contrasts this with France, which is much larger in area but less densely populated, complicating the implementation of similar policies.

Urban challenges and demonstrations

The editorial references the October 17 demonstrations, where political tensions and incidents of looting and vandalism occurred. These events highlight the difficulties of maintaining urban vitality in the face of rising insurance costs and the decline of physical retail spaces due to online shopping and AI-driven logistics.

Feasibility of zero-emission policies

The editorial questions whether France can realistically achieve a policy of zero emissions and zero heavy vehicles, given the country's size and logistical demands. It contrasts this with cities like Aveiro, Pontevedra, and Venice, where pedestrian-friendly policies have been successful.

Future of urban life

The editorial envisions a future where physical stores disappear, replaced by automated delivery systems and electric vans. This shift could lead to a "zero-life" scenario, where cities become dormitories without the vibrancy of shops, parks, and restaurants.

Urban mobility and empty spaces

The author argues that the main threat to bike-friendly cities is not cars or delivery vans, but the emptying of urban spaces due to broken shopfronts, high insurance costs, and the rise of online shopping. This trend may reduce urban mobility, turning bicycles into tools for leisure rather than daily transport.

Decline of physical retail

The editorial concludes that without viable physical retail spaces, the current urban mobility model may collapse, leading to a fragmented lifestyle with less social interaction and economic activity. The decline of physical shops is seen as a significant loss, representing the passion and effort of their creators.