the essentials Last night, the No SUV Tolosa collective deflated the tires of 65 SUVs in the streets of Toulouse. The action aims to denounce the ecological and social impact of these vehicles, and pays tribute to Paul Varry, the cyclist killed in Paris on October 16 by an SUV driver.
The collective explains that SUVs represent a threat to the environment and the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. According to them, these vehicles, heavier and bulkier than city cars, are involved in more serious accidents and worsen urban traffic problems. Members of No SUV Tolosa also point out the CO2 emissions of SUVs, comparable to those of one of the largest greenhouse gas emitting countries. “Our cities are not designed to accommodate such vehicles,” declares the collective in a press release.
This poster was affixed to the windshield of 65 SUVs in Toulouse. Credit No SUV Tolosa
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Beyond ecological issues, the collective’s action highlights broader societal issues, such as the fight against masculinism and social inequalities. According to them, owning an SUV is more a sign of social status than a functional need, with the majority of owners living in urban areas without requiring such a vehicle.
The tribute to Paul Varry, murdered after an altercation with an SUV driver, particularly marked this nighttime operation. The collective highlights the link between this tragedy and behaviors that they describe as “toxic masculinist”. No SUV Tolosa therefore invites SUV owners to “work on their self-esteem” and to reconsider the impact of their consumption choices.
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Finally, the collective calls on all people sensitive to their cause to join their movement by also disarming SUVs in their neighborhood.
Minute of silence and speech, in tribute to cyclist Paul horribly killed in Paris on Tuesday.
On bicycles, due to the behavior of motorists, we are sometimes in extreme danger.
It’s simple, we want:
u2796 ud83dude97 in the streets
u2795facilities ud83dudeb2 pic.twitter.com/tEyvTnvuhp— 2️⃣Pieds 2️⃣ Roues Toulouse ud83dudeb6u2640ufe0fud83dudeb4u2640ufe0fud83dudef4 (@2Pieds2Roues) October 19, 2024
On Saturday, several dozen people gathered on the Place du Capitole in tribute to Paul Varry. During the speeches, after a minute of silence, some recalled that they thought they were putting their lives in danger every day by traveling by bike.
