2023-11-25 17:11:47
They wanted to be seen, they were heard. And throughout the city. “We can say that it worked well. There were more than 600 bikers,” says Olivier Apesteguy, head of the south-west part of the Federation of Bikers of France.
Saturday November 25, hundreds of “angry bikers” gathered in Pau to…
They wanted to be seen, they were heard. And throughout the city. “We can say that it worked well. There were more than 600 bikers,” says Olivier Apesteguy, head of the south-west part of the Federation of Bikers of France.
Saturday, November 25, hundreds of “angry bikers” gathered in Pau to protest once morest the obligation of technical inspection for motorized two-wheelers. A measure deemed “absurd” and “useless” by the participants in this gathering, which must come into force on April 15, 2024.
Enough security?
The meeting took place at 11 a.m. this Saturday, around the Zénith de Pau. From Gers, Landes and Lot-et-Garonne, all the bikers from the south of the region were called to come together. In a checkered shirt and black leather jacket, Olivier Apesteguy is uncompromising: “this technical inspection is out of the question. And if that happens, I’ll never do it. » With the wind up, this lifelong biker considers the operation “unfair”.
“Technical defects on motorcycles only concern 0.3% of accidents. It’s ridiculous. We know our motorcycles, we take care of them,” insists the regional manager of the Federation of Bikers of France.
Olivier Apesteguy is responsible for the South-West part of the French Bikers Federation.
David Le Deodic/SOUTH WEST
Oscillating between 50 and 80 euros to sift the machines, the vast majority of bikers present refuse to accept the news. “Frankly, it would be better if with this amount we might change the tires, buy a pair of gloves or a helmet. The control will not protect us,” repeats Olivier Apesteguy, highlighting “already sufficient” gendarmerie controls. “They look at the lines, the tires… It’s legitimate. But we know our motorcycles. »
“Other priorities”
A little further on in the Zénith parking lot, a few moments before the procession leaves for the city center, Philippe Dehouselle is of the same opinion. “It’s a money story. As per usual. » Hands on the handlebars of his Harley, the biker does not lose his temper.
“We came from the Hautes-Pyrénées. This morning we received at the prefecture before coming. We will never do this technical inspection. » Looking determined, the biker does not understand the point of the measure and would prefer that the emphasis be placed elsewhere. “We must first work on the condition of the roads. That’s useful, it represents big risks. More than this control. » Furtive hand gesture, direction the city center.
The convoy stood out in the city center of Pau.
Bastien Marie
After almost an hour of wandering, the convoy of 600 motorcycles took up residence on Place Clemenceau and its surroundings. A funny visit for Saturday onlookers, who will of course hear the bikers’ demands.
“If it goes into effect, we will boycott. But not just for our motorcycles. There are 2.5 million bikers in France, but we also have cars. Well, we’ll do more technical checks and that’s it,” brave Franck. Before leaving, the convoy of bikers announced that they had obtained an appointment at the prefecture on Monday followingnoon and promised: “We will not give up”.
1700958713
#angry #bikers #invade #streets #Pau
