- A clear majority of 83% of those surveyed are in favour of tougher penalties targeting offending cyclists.
- Seniors appear particularly uncompromising, with 89% of those aged 65 and over supporting increased severity.
- Support for greater firmness ranges from 74% among Green party supporters to 90% among Les Républicains sympathisers.
A demand for firmness in the face of the rise in active travel
Once primarily a leisure activity, cycling is now fully integrated into daily commutes to work. However, the proliferation of users in public spaces has been accompanied by a growing perception of breaches of the Highway Code. According to a study conducted by the CSA institute at the end of August 2026 among a representative sample of 1,010 people, a clear majority of the population approves of strengthening sanctions for cyclists’ misconduct, reaching 83%. The finding is shared almost identically among men (82%) and women (83%).
Marked nuances according to age groups and regions
A detailed analysis of the results reveals a clear divide based on demographic categories. While 69% of 18-24 year olds call for more rigour regarding offences, approval rises to 80% among 35-49 year olds and 81% among 25-34 year olds. The desire for stricter control grows significantly with the age of respondents, reaching 85% among 50-64 year olds and a peak of 89% among those aged 65 and over. Regarding socio-professional categories, 81% of high-income earners are in favour, compared to 82% of low-income earners and 85% of those not in the workforce. Geographically, support stands at 79% in cities with over 100,000 inhabitants, 81% in the Paris metropolitan area, 83% in medium-sized towns (2,000 to 19,999 inhabitants), 85% in rural areas, and up to 89% in urban areas with 20,000 to 99,999 inhabitants.
A consensus shared across the political spectrum
The desire for firmer enforcement of traffic rules is not limited to a single school of thought. While the average among left-wing supporters stands at 78%, differences appear according to partisan roots: 74% of voters close to the Greens and 75% of those from La France Insoumise support this direction, compared to 83% for Socialist Party sympathisers. The demand for severity garners the support of a majority of voters across all parties, intensifying as one moves towards the right. Thus, 85% of Rassemblement National sympathisers, 89% of those from the former presidential majority, and 90% of Les Républicains voters want stricter measures against offending cyclists.
