Rediscover the Bicycle and its Many Facets with France 5
Hi everyone, Max here. Recently, I sat down to watch “La Bicyclette fait sa vélorution” broadcast on France 5, and what a pleasant surprise it was to see this well-constructed documentary on the evolution of the bicycle in our beloved France.
"The bicycle makes its bicycle revolution" - 53 mins - directed by: Elsa Lhéritier - Production company: Impala Productions / France Télévisions.
The documentary skillfully explores the bicycle revolution in France, tracing a journey from its status as a bourgeois object at the beginning of the 20th century to its spectacular rise in the contemporary post-Covid world.
A particularly edifying part for me was the look at the extraordinary growth in sales of bicycles, particularly those with electric assistance and cargo bikes, thus demonstrating a collective awareness of the importance of sustainable mobility.
While the documentary sheds a great deal of light on several aspects of cycling culture, I found myself wishing for a little more focus on the issue of safety, and in particular the importance of accessories such as helmets , which are central to our discussions at Max and the City.
On the other hand, the documentary managed to highlight current challenges in the cycling world, such as the persistent problem of bicycle theft, and admirably showcased examples of cities where cycling culture is thriving, such as Copenhagen.
It's also interesting to note that, while we could always wish for more insights on certain aspects, such as communities' visions for the development of cycling infrastructure, the documentary offers an enlightened and inspiring look at our beloved bicycle.
In conclusion, “La Bicyclette fait sa vélorution” offers a magnificent journey through time and space, celebrating the bicycle in all its glory, while opening a window onto future discussions concerning bicycle mobility in our cities.
At Max and the City, we're excited to continue this conversation with you, continuing to explore, celebrate, and most importantly, keep you safe in our daily quest for the best urban cycling experience.
See you soon
Max 😊