France to clamp down on illegal motorbike 'rodeo' rides

  • France's lockdown, imposed in mid-March to tackle the spread of the coronavirus, had resulted in a rise in illegal motorbike rides.
Illegal motorbike racing on public roads (Representational Image). Photo Credits: Reuters
Illegal motorbike racing on public roads (Representational Image). Photo Credits: Reuters

The French government is to step up plans to clamp down on illegal motorbike "rodeo" rides, which often spark conflict between youths and the police in poor areas, it said on Monday.

Clashes broke out in the Paris suburb of Argenteuil this month after the death of an 18-year-old man in a motorcycle accident. The local prosecutor's department said he was driving his bike without a helmet and at high speed.

Also check these Bikes

Find more Bikes
White Carbon Motors O3 (HT Auto photo)
Range Icon60 km/charge
₹55,900
Compare
Yobykes Yo Drift (HT Auto photo)
Range Icon60 km/charge
₹51,000
Compare
Honda Cb350rs (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon348.0 cc Mileage Icon36.0 kmpl
₹ 1.90 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Yamaha Xsr125 (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
Engine Icon124.0 cc Mileage Icon47.6 kmpl
₹ 1.35 Lakhs
Alert Me When Launched
Yezdi Motorcycles Yezdi Adventure (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon334.0 cc Mileage Icon33.0 kmpl
₹ 2.09 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Tvs Fiero 125 (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
Engine Icon125 cc Mileage Icon67.0 kmpl
₹80,000
Alert Me When Launched

Also Read : Watch: Ferrari supercar worth £250,000 wrecked after collision with bus

Some in the community said the death was caused by a collision with a police car, but the prosecutor said initial findings did not show that such a crash took place.

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner told reporters that France's lockdown, imposed in mid-March to tackle the spread of the coronavirus, had resulted in a rise in illegal motorbike rides.

"It is true that we have seen another pick-up in the numbers of these rodeos during the lockdown," he said, referring to how drivers had sought to take advantage of the empty streets.

He added the government would enact legislation to make it easier for authorities to seize vehicles used in the illegal rides, and would set up more task-forces to tackle the problem.

Also Read : This rare Harley-Davidson FXDR is limited to just 30 units

The motorbike "rodeos" often occur in France's banlieues - high-rise, low-income neighbourhoods which have frequently been flashpoints of anger over social and economic inequality and brought allegations of heavy-handed policing.

First Published Date: 25 May 2020, 20:43 PM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS

Check Latest Offers

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Select a dealer

Want to get the best price for your existing car?

Powered by: Spinny Logo
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy
Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.