Through Lisa Boudoussier
Published on
–
The June 23, 2021, the Lyon metropolis (Rhône) made the decision to make the Vernaison bridge a one-way street, in the west / east direction, from Vernaison to Solaize only.
Result, the traders lose many customers from surrounding towns, for which the journey to get to Vernaison is extended.
In order to help traders de Vernaison and prevent them from going bankrupt, the town therefore decided to set up the carriage movement which can pass in both directions on the bridge.
A decision taken “unilaterally”
On January 2021, elected officials and mayors had co-signed a letter to alert the Metropolis on the travel needs of the inhabitants linked in particular to the dilapidated state of the Vernaison bridge.
In response to this, the Métropole has made it a one-way street for vehicles and therefore added a track dedicated to soft modes of transport (pedestrians, bicycles).
The commune of Vernaison was not delighted with this decision taken “unilaterally” and “without any consultation” by the Metropolis, as recalled in their press release.
The main problem generated by this one-way street is linked to the municipalities of Ternay, Solaize or even Saint-Symphorie-d’Ozon. Their consumers, accustomed to the shops of Vernaison, can only get there by detours of more than 15 km. Which risks dissuading them.
“We will not let our businesses die,” says Julien Vuillemard, mayor of Vernaison.
An original solution
The commune of Vernaison, despite its disputes, could not prevent the establishment of the one-way street. It therefore had to quickly find a solution for its traders, which is: a carriage ride.
Since July 3, 2021, every Saturday, crossings of the bridge are then offered. This original and free means of transport must allow customers to easily go to their businesses in Vernaisonnais.
The Balades de Marquise association located in Charly provides its carriages to ensure the crossing of the bridge.
The departure is done from the Treille car park in the municipality of Solaize to reach Vernaison market square. The return is also insured.
These horse-drawn carriage crossings are organized 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., for a departure every 15 minutes.
What a success ?
The attendance of these last two weekends has been pretty good ensures the town hall. It remains to be seen whether this service will continue in the long term.
L’negative impact of this one way on local shops in Vernaison will certainly not be completely absorbed by these horse-drawn carriage crossings. And this despite the support of the municipality to its traders.
Has this article been useful to you? Note that you can follow Actu Lyon in the Mon Actu space. In one click, after registration, you will find all the news of your favorite cities and brands.
–
