They took place in the city center of Toulouse and its metropolis for a few months. You may have seen them from your car, on your bike or on foot. Small triangular panels named M12 in the shape of a give-the-way are found under some traffic lights in the city. A device that allows traffic to be regulated by turning red, but that’s not all. Philippe Perrin, responsible for cycling and new mobility, explains the city’s strategy behind the installation of these new panels. “We want to facilitate the use of the bicycle in Toulouse. We rely on intelligence and respect for the rules. The goal is not to verbalize. On the contrary, it is a device which should make cycling easier.”
“We hope to reach 15% of cyclists in urban mobility in Toulouse” Philippe Perrin, responsible for cycling for the city.
Look, give in, pass
These M12 panels are intended in particular to secure the cyclist. If the lane is clear, it is safe for the cyclist to pass a junction or continue on a lane. Boris Koslow, president of the 2 foot 2 wheel association, reminds us that the danger often comes from blind spots. “The risk often comes from behind for cyclists. _With this panel we can go more quietly_. When a red light starts, we take a long time to set off against a car. Going red in some cases therefore leaves us more leeway “.
A good initiative that deserves to be explained more fully to users and motorists according to Boris Koslow. “The city must communicate more on these panels. What are they used for? In which situation? It is important for the good cohabitation car-cyclo”.
A new installation campaign should take place in the coming months to increase the size and visibility of these panels. Toulouse Métropole still has to decide on 700 places that will or will not be equipped with these M12 panels.
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