VIDEO. "A sudden brake and it's a fall": a young motorcyclist shares his experiences about the dangers of secondary roads after an accident

While the French road landscape has long been synonymous with quality and safety, a concerning evolution of infrastructures is beginning to question users, particularly motorcyclists. In this context, the testimony of Raphaël, a young motorcyclist aged 19, highlights the real dangers posed by certain secondary roads, particularly in Gers. A victim of an accident in January, he wishes to alert to the troubling state of certain roadways and the importance of increased vigilance among users. Roads, far from being merely circulation routes, are shared spaces where every detail matters.

Dangers of secondary roads: a motorcyclist's testimony

Raphaël, a resident of Mauvezin, shares his experience with roads that many would consider safe. On January 22, while heading to Auch, he had an accident on the D924, a road he regularly uses. He recounts: "I braked on the black strips that everyone sees everywhere on the roads. It made me skid, my motorcycle fell directly into the turn, and I ended up right in the ditch." This experience opened his eyes to the necessity of better vigilance among users.

The state of the roads: an alarming observation

The observation regarding the state of roads in France is worrisome. According to the annual report of the National Road Observatory (ONR) published in 2023, about 19 % of the national non-conceded road network and about 10 % of departmental roads are in poor condition. These figures are all the more concerning for users sensitive to roadway defects, such as motorcyclists, who represent a higher-risk population on such roads.

In Gers, although 78 % of main roads and 70 % of secondary roads are deemed in good condition, the roads still present many risks. Raphaël particularly laments the "patching" and the emergence of potholes. These imperfections can quickly become traps, especially when maneuvering on a motorcycle. Every turn can become a challenge, especially in the presence of gravel or worn tar strips.

• The most common danger elements on secondary roads:
• Potholes
• Gravel in turns
• Lack of roadway maintenance
• Slippery black strips

The technique of road maintenance

The tar strips found on many roads are the result of a preventive maintenance work called crack sealing. This technique aims to prolong the lifespan of roadways while preventing water from penetrating and causing further damage to the road. Although their intention is commendable, their implementation sometimes leaves much to be desired. Many users find themselves facing uneven surfaces that can reduce tire grip, particularly on Yamaha, Kawasaki, BMW Motorrad, and others. Beyond this issue, it is crucial to consider the clayey soils of Gers, which are often particularly sensitive to climate changes.

Raphaël emphasizes the importance of being vigilant, especially when it comes to riding a motorcycle on roads with imperfections. "At the slightest sudden braking, you end up on the ground," he reminds, thus highlighting the importance of adapting one's driving to road conditions. Constantly evaluating the state of the roadway and taking into account weather conditions are essential elements to ensure the safety of motorcyclists.

A necessary awareness of road maintenance

In light of this alarming observation, it is essential to remind the importance of regular and rigorous maintenance of roads. The consequences of neglecting maintenance can be devastating for users, particularly for motorcyclists who need safe roads to navigate with confidence. Responsibility also falls on local authorities, who must invest enough time and resources to maintain the safety of their road networks.

Impacts of inadequate road maintenance on safety

A lack of maintenance can lead to multiple, sometimes tragic accidents. In addition to personal accidents like Raphaël's, poor road quality can result in higher costs for local authorities, who must manage the consequences of accidents. Thus, it is essential to be aware of the risks associated with a poorly maintained road network.

The consequences of a degraded roadway can include:

• Increase in the number of accidents
• Repair costs for local authorities
• High pressure on insurance
• Impact on users' morale

Mobilization of motorcyclists for road safety

The situation also highlights the importance of a collective mobilization of motorcyclists to make their voices heard regarding road safety. Initiatives such as gatherings or awareness campaigns can play a crucial role in improving the state of the roads. By organizing, motorcyclists can more easily obtain support from authorities for the allocation of funds for the redevelopment and maintenance of roadways.

Furthermore, creating working groups around road issues can be beneficial. This would allow not only motorcyclists but also representatives from various local authorities to establish a precise diagnosis of the needs for road maintenance and development.

Solutions for better safety on secondary roads

To improve the safety of secondary roads, several avenues can be explored. All actors, from local authorities to civil society, must collaborate to make the roads safer. Establishing regular inspections, increased funding for maintenance, and an awareness campaign for users can also play a crucial role.

Measures to consider for infrastructure maintenance

To go beyond simple spot repairs, it is important to consider systemic solutions that address the root causes of road maintenance problems. Among these, one could consider:

• A regular audit of the state of the roads
• The establishment of a road infrastructure observatory
• Better transparency in the use of budgets allocated to road safety
• User feedback systems to quickly identify black spots

Importance of motorcycle training

In addition to structural measures, it is also essential to train motorcyclists in driving techniques on degraded roads. Training should include elements of advanced driving to deal with different emergency situations, like the one experienced by Raphaël. The site Motard en Balade offers excellent advice on this subject. Motorcyclists should also familiarize themselves with their machines, whether a Ducati, a Harley-Davidson, or a Triumph, in order to make the best use of their capabilities on sometimes unpredictable roads.

The necessity of road safety awareness

In conclusion to this exploration of dangers on secondary roads, awareness remains a crucial point. Testimonies like Raphaël's are essential to remind us of the reality faced by many motorcyclists. Each personal story raises questions about the quality of infrastructures and encourages reflection on the importance of road safety.

Awareness efforts must also involve local authorities, who have a key role to play in the maintenance and rehabilitation of the road network. Motorcyclists must, just like drivers, make their voices heard and demand clear and targeted investments to ensure their safety during their daily trips.

It is imperative that concrete measures be implemented, supported by a strong political will. Roads represent a shared space where everyone must feel safe, regardless of the mode of transport used. Bringing the subject back to the table and encouraging gradual action is essential for future generations.