M.Le President of the French Republique

For the Personal Attention of :

M.Le President of the Republique of France ,Francois Hollande

Your Excellency ,

I should  like  to  congratulate  you  on  your  Election  to  this  office . As the leader of an important Nation such as France your voice will be heard  and be heeded by other Nations in the World  Forum !

During this past week i have been in various locations in the South East of France and seen the efforts to make the roads safer for Cyclists !  Indeed since my last visit to  the 2011 Tour de France i see evidence that there is a desire on the part of the French Authorities to tackle the growing problem of Cyclist Safety . In so many parts of the world , the cyclist is viewed as  `` Road Kill `‘ , an unfortunate set of statistics , that the  Motoring Lobby  would prefer overlooked  !

The TOUR DE FRANCE is a world renowned event  that is enjoyed BY ALL each year and would be the ideal venue to remind ALL ROAD USERS that there is a place on the roads for ALL USERS !

At the Arrivee in Rumilly last night , i had occasion to speak with Chris Prudhomme , Director of  the " TDF " and the " Face and Voice of the TDF " for some years now after the retirement of Jean Marie Leblanc . I first met Chris whilst he was working with France TV and i know that he listened then to my views on Cycling  and my efforts to assist „ " " Handisport " !

My suggestion to him last night , was that "  The LeTour " publicise the Campaign started by the " Times Newspaper of london " which appears to be gaining Worldwide notice and endorsement  " Cities fit for Cycling " !

This campaign was ignored at the „ Giro dÌtalia,  since it is being promoted in Italy , by a rival Newspaper Group . Can you imagine that an errant motorist stricking a Cyclist , cares which  " newspaper " the  Cyclist chooses to read ?

Over the years i have seen too many people become victims of the " ME FIRST " generation ! In these harsh economic times so many French People and other Nationals are having to consider the Cycle as a means of transport , so as to balance their familly budget ! So many people are too frightened to get on a bike because of their fear of the traffic . Indeed during the Giro i met many who have given up Cycling because it has now  become too hazardous , and their families rely on their income .

Victims of Cycling Tragedies come from all walks of life , The Surgeon Father of Cyclist , Tyler Farrar , the Founder of the Willier Cycles  Company , Paul Crake an Australian Cycle Racer , Amy Gillett  , an Olympic Rower turned Cycle Racer , not to forget Wouter Weylandt , who died in the 2011 Giro dÌtalia  . So many day to day Commuters are struck down but do not get a mention since they are part of life`s everyday fabric .

BY YOUR INTERCESSION  ´, The Organisation oft he Tour de France , COULD bring the WORLD MEDIA’s  attention to the plight of the everyday Cyclist , and ensure that the Governments of the World follow France’s efforts to ensure ALL Cyclists arrive home SAFE ,to their family each night !

Many Politicians mean well when they voice their concerns to their Constituents BUT it takes a World Leader to motivate them to act in Concert !

As a humble cyclist , i enjoy the hospitality that the French people of ALL persuasions offer me . I am known to trample on the feet of those who think that my few efforts on behalf of the " Sportive Adaptees " are not worthy of  consideration . I know i would not succeed as a Politician but will continue to turn the pedals at the next " Le Tour " , which is my 15th Tour de France , riding each etappe in full day by day !