Erected as a barrier against coronavirus, as a reliable means of transport during strikes : the bicycle is gaining in popularity. Today, one French person in five living in a large city cycles to work. Cycling is a fast, healthy and environmentally friendly way of getting around, and plays an essential role in the ecological transition. That’s why the government has launched a €2 billion plan to make cycling part of everyday life in France. On the eve of Bicycle Day, celebrated on June 3, initiatives are multiplying to make cycling the preferred means of transport.
The challenge of putting France on a bike
The adoption of green modes of transport goes hand in hand with the development of urban infrastructures. In France, cycling is most widespread in Grenoble, with 16.3% of home-to-work journeys made by bicycle.
Many cities and towns are rethinking their urban planning to enable cyclists to get around more safely. The city of Paris, for example, has announced the construction of 30 km of cycle paths and 10 000 bicycle parking spaces by 2024.
The French government is also encouraging cycling through a number of grants such as 150 euros for the purchase of a conventional bicycle and between 300 and 2 000 euros for the purchase of an electric or cargo bike.
Companies are also following this trend, rewarding their bicycle-riding employees with a sustainable mobility package (up to a maximum of 700 euros a year).
A key to sustainable cities and fulfilled individuals
Scandinavian countries, meanwhile, have succeeded in developing a much more advanced cycling culture than France. Copenhagen, for example, was voted the world’s cycling capital, with almost 2 out of 3 citizens using bicycles.
Cycling significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and urban congestion. The experience of the Danes shows that cycling is a good way of relieving congestion in cities and fighting pollution, by creating a calmer environment and better air quality for citizens.
Cycling is not only good for the environment and for cities ; it also has numerous health benefits . Cycling strengthens the cardiorespiratory system, and exercises leg and abdominal muscles, improving posture and endurance.
From a psychological point of view, regular cycling reduces stress and anxiety, and improves concentration, memory and sleep quality.
Cycling is a complete physical activity with multiple benefits for physical and mental health, helping to improve overall quality of life.
Bike Day : Moovance gamifies cycling with Turtle, Upway and HOOT Bike !
GreenTech Moovance is on a mission to get all French people cycling ! Currently, 17% of users of the applicationhave already adopted this mode of transport. The startup wants to see this figure rise and encourage more citizens to adopt this good habit. To this end, it is offering fun challenges in partnership with a number of brands to turn cycling into an entertaining experience. Bike Day is an opportunity for Moovance to launch a series of challenges for its users to complete between May 22 and June 11. In collaboration with Turtle, Upway and HOOT Bike, 3 brands specialized in bicycles, the application invites Moovers to cycle 20 km in one week. If participants complete these challenges, they can win up to 100 Mooves convertible to cash, as well as benefits from the app’s partners.
SOURCES :
- According to the study “La Pratique du vélo en milieu urbain”, carried out by the Union sport et cycle in 2019
- The Bicycle and Walking Plan 2023-2027, www.gouvernement.fr
- Insee study published in January 2023
- Bicycle Plan 2021-2026, Paris City Hall www.paris.fr
- Service-public.fr, March 2023
- Entreprendre.service-public.fr, August 2022
- Copenhagenize Design Co, January 2022
