February 24, 2024 - Committed for several years to develop and democratize the use of bicycles, the Metropolis of Lyon is adopting a new global and ambitious action plan for 2030, with the watchwords: safety, health, accessibility.
With a budget of 500 million euros, the new Cycling Plan puts into motion all the levers available to the community in favor of active modes. This plan brings together more than 60 actions, structured around five major axes. It responds to the aspirations of residents, in consultation with the municipalities, and also responds to the health, societal and environmental challenges of future years.
Axis 1: Secure and develop infrastructure dedicated to cycling
Today, the main obstacle to cycling remains safety. Thanks to continuous cycle lanes throughout the territory, lanes separated from cars, intersection arrangements designed for the safety of cyclists, the Bicycle Plan intends to respond to safety issues. In addition to safety, it is about improving the comfort of bicycle users. This comfort requires the greening of the developments and the waterproofing of the soils in order to combat heat islands. The objective is to reach 2000 kilometers of developed roads.
Axis 2: Ensure the safety of all users including pedestrians, cyclists and their bicycles
The abundance of cyclists should not be to the detriment of pedestrians. The bicycle plan works towards better redistribution and security of public space in favor of the most vulnerable users, namely pedestrians and cyclists. This policy in favor of active modes pursues the objective of 0 injuries, 0 deaths. Also, the supply of parking bars aims to reach 60,000 in 2026. The Metropolis intends to curb the phenomenon of bicycle theft by encouraging users to equip themselves with good quality anti-theft devices. Users are also encouraged to mark their bicycles in order to combat theft.
Axis 3: Support changes in practice through training and awareness
The bicycle gradually appeared as an alternative to the car for everyday travel. The Métropole de Lyon wishes to support new users and offer them training in the proper use of bicycles. In 2022, 905 people will have followed training in cycling and self-repair, the objective is to triple this annual figure by 2026 thanks in particular to the associative network and cycle schools. The evolution of practices also concerns the youngest. Traveling by bicycle gives children greater autonomy. To encourage the practice, the Métropole de Lyon is investing €1,600,000 to secure the surroundings of colleges. The provision of fleets of bicycles for schools is currently being considered.
Axis 4: Develop adapted and facilitating services for users
In 2025, 2,500 new electric Vélo’vs will join the fleet to make it easier for as many people as possible. Enriching this offer will also involve the establishment of new stations. The Freevélo’v loan service will also continue its development with the objective of reaching 10,000 loans in 2025, with a budget increased to €3,900,000 to recondition old bicycles.
Axis 5: Develop the bicycle economy
The development of cycling contributes to the activity and economic attractiveness of the Lyon Metropolis. Today there are around a hundred establishments working in the bicycle industrial sector in the region. The objective is to promote innovation and encourage collective projects such as the purchase of spare parts and pooling specific knowledge. The Lyon Metropolis also wants to create momentum in cycling logistics. In 2023, no fewer than 1,060,000 packages will have been delivered by bicycle. The Metropolis wishes to support structuring projects that promote cycle logistics, thus decarbonizing urban centers, reducing nuisances linked to heavy goods vehicles such as pollution and parking.
