The French government is investing €2 billion in the cycling plan to make cycling more accessible and attractive in France. This budget, which is four times higher than that of the previous legislature, is structured around several measures aimed at encouraging the use of cycling as an alternative and environmentally friendly means of transport.
Double the length of the cycle path network
The first project of the cycling plan is to double the length of the cycle path network in France. The goal is to reach 80,000 km by 2027 and 100,000 km by 2030, thanks to a commitment of €250 million each year. Currently, 50,000 km of paths have been developed, including 14,000 since 2019. The State will finance 25% to 30% of the projects submitted by local authorities, particularly town halls, on the condition that the money is used to build safe areas. Financial aid will go primarily to small and medium-sized towns and rural areas, and €1.5 billion of the total budget will be dedicated to these cycle paths.
Encourage the purchase of bicycles
To encourage the purchase of bicycles , the French government wants to introduce new financial aid for individuals. Starting this fall, it will be possible to purchase a second-hand bicycle with state funds, something that was not possible until now. Each household will be able to benefit from €300 to €2,000 in aid depending on their income and the cost of the two-wheeler. During the previous five-year term, €76 million was distributed to 300,000 French people.
The government is also planning to provide aid to cyclists to finance secure parking, garages, and monitored parking areas. Social landlords and condominiums will be eligible. To combat theft , the government plans to increase the number of individual identifiers on bicycles to 13 million by the end of the five-year term, compared to 4 million today.
Road safety training for children
Finally, the "Savoir rouler à vélo" (How to Ride a Bike) program, a training program that aims to teach primary school students the basics of cycling and road safety, should be accelerated. Since 2019, only 200,000 children have been trained, and another 200,000 are expected to benefit from the program during 2023, ultimately reaching 800,000 schoolchildren trained each year.
The government's ultimate goal is to encourage the French to travel by bicycle for daily commutes. Achieving this goal requires suitable infrastructure, a suitable regulatory framework, and a population that feels safe on their bikes. The measures announced are a first step toward achieving this ambitious goal. If France succeeds in convincing its citizens to leave their cars in the garage and take their bicycles for daily commutes, it could have a significant impact on the environment and quality of life in cities.
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In conclusion, the French government announced its intention to dedicate two billion euros to improving cycling infrastructure and encouraging bicycle travel. This represents a quadrupling of state investment in cycling compared to the previous five-year term. Financial aid for the purchase of bicycles will be extended, while local authorities will receive financial support for the construction of new cycle paths. Primary schools will also receive road safety training to encourage safer cycling. If these measures are implemented effectively, they could have a significant impact on the environment and quality of life in France.
