Bikes, Our New Favorite Mode of Transportation

NEWS | September 17, 2020

A symbol of eco-friendliness that's becoming more and more encouraged in countries the world over, bicycles have become increasingly popular in France this year. A growing trend, explained: 

This summer, strategy consultant Gaetan Kerloc'h decided to travel from Ile de Ré to Orléans by bike, stopping to see friends along the way. In about a week, he covered nearly 500 kilometers, most of it on bike paths. It was his longest trip using two-wheeled transportation exclusively, and he was thrilled. "I just felt really free, and I discovered beautiful little villages that I never would have seen otherwise. It was a great experience." 

He's not alone! While most French people still prefer bikes for shorter distances, France's bicycle market increased turnover by over 10% in 2019, and demand has grown exponentially in 2020. Véligo, for example, an electric bike that can be rented at 40 euros a month for 6 months, skyrocketed from five subscriptions per day in April to over 100 in May. In Paris, according to the association Vélo & Territoires ("Bicycles & Territories"), bike paths are two to three times more common now than they were last year.  

How can all this be explained? Since the end of lockdown, people in cities have preferred bicycles over public transportation, especially because they allow for social distancing measures that can be difficult to apply on a crowded subway car, for example. The government has also been encouraging this way of getting around. In Paris, temporary bike paths have even been created, some of which are so popular that they may be maintained moving forward.  

Coupdepoucevelo.fr is another novel initiative providing a 50-euros credit for repairs. In a time, when reducing gas emissions is a primary consideration, bikes became an ideal eco-friendly choice. What better way to reduce your carbon footprint, or boost your inner energy, than pedaling to work?

Today, another development that's catching on fast is the electronically assisted bicycle, which makes it easy to cover long distances without breaking a sweat. A real 21st century innovation, it's already inspiring plenty of new models — and state aid to encourage the transition is even greater motivation. Indeed, there is a two-wheeler for everyone!