Actors and strategies for the development of cycling in France in 2024

The development of cycling in France is part of a dynamic transformation of urban and rural mobility, seeking to address contemporary ecological challenges while promoting a more local and sustainable economy. This article offers a look at the different layers of this movement, from the European strategic vision to French national policy. We will also focus on the three main regional sectors for the development of cycling and active mobility.

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Europe: visions and strategies for developing active mobility

Development of cycling in France: national players

Regional sectors: 3 clusters for French cycling

The Made in France bike

                   

Europe: visions and strategies for developing active mobility

On October 4, 2023, aligning itself with a similar initiative by the European Parliament, the European Commission published a declaration in support of the development of cycling on the old continent. Europe thus aims to position itself at the forefront of the development of cycling and soft mobility, with a strategic approach that reflects its commitment to sustainability, public health, and the quality of urban life. This European cycling strategy is structured around several key axes: encouraging the use of cycling across the continent, integrating soft mobility into transport and urban planning policies, and supporting innovation and the cycle economy.

Harmonization of Policies and Infrastructures

The European Union encourages its member states to adopt harmonized policies for the development of cycling infrastructure, providing guidelines and funding for the construction of cycle paths, secure bicycle parking, and bike-sharing services. These efforts are supported by initiatives such as the EuroVelo network, which aims to develop a network of cycle paths across Europe, thus promoting cycle tourism and daily mobility.

Support for Innovation and Technology

The European strategy places a strong emphasis on innovation and technology in the field of soft mobility. This translates into support for research and development of innovative solutions for electric bicycles, bike-sharing systems, and mobility applications that facilitate cycling in urban and peri-urban areas. The EU also encourages the adoption of common standards for cycling equipment, thus improving its interoperability and safety.

Promotion of Sustainable Mobility

At the heart of the European strategy is the promotion of sustainable mobility as a central element of the ecological transition. The EU implements awareness campaigns and educational programs aimed at encouraging a change in behavior in favor of cycling. In addition, financial incentives are offered to encourage citizens and businesses to opt for cycling, such as the Sustainable Mobility Package (SMP) .

Transnational Collaboration

Transnational collaboration is another pillar of the European Cycling Strategy. By promoting the exchange of best practices and collaborative projects between cities, regions, and countries, the EU seeks to create a coherent and efficient European cycling ecosystem. This collaboration is essential for addressing common challenges, such as urban congestion, air pollution, and climate change.

An increasing European budget

The European Union's financial envelope for transport projects amounts to approximately €80 billion over a seven-year period. During this period, the amount allocated to cycling, which has been steadily increasing, has increased from €700 million for the period 2007-2013 to €2 to €2.5 billion for 2014-2020 (pending the latest updates in 2023). Despite this significant and encouraging growth, the European Cyclists' Federation (ECF) believes that this investment would need to be tripled in order to achieve an effective modal shift towards cycling.

European Declaration on Cycling

Following the European Commission's declaration in favor of the development of cycling in October 2023, the European Parliament's Transport Committee adopted the "European Declaration on Cycling" in February 2024. This declaration, which must be submitted to the Parliament for a final vote in April 2024, includes 36 commitments that will be implemented operationally. Its commitments include support for the relocation of the electric bicycle industry , the strengthening of bicycle logistics services (particularly the last mile) and the financing of new initiatives such as bicycle sharing, repair and rental.
The next step will be the signing of this declaration by the three European institutions during the Connecting Europe Days from April 2 to 5, 2024.

                   

Development of cycling in France: national players

" Le Formidable ", an electric cargo bike manufactured and assembled by more than ten French artisans and manufacturers

France, like many European countries, has seen a significant increase in interest in cycling in recent years, both as a means of daily transportation and as a vehicle for green tourism. This renewed interest is supported by incentive-based public policies, such as the national cycling plan, which aims to triple the share of cycling in daily travel by 2027, through significant infrastructure development, support for innovation, and encouraging tax measures. At the heart of this dynamic, the Ministry of Transport's Cycling Plan, the Transport Innovation Agency (AIT), the French Federation of Bicycle Users (FUB), and ADEME, through the "AVELO" program, play a leading role. We will also mention the Vélo France economic sector, which works to develop cycling in France in all its aspects.

But before focusing on these different players, let's take a look at cycling trends in France in 2023

Cycling activity to increase by 5% in 2023

In 2023, bicycle use in France increased by 5%, mainly driven by everyday travel, such as commuting to work or home to school, highlights the Vélo & Territoires association. This increase, highlighted by a barometer published by the association on January 12, is particularly marked in June, in September during the start of the school year, and the week before Christmas, with significantly higher use than the previous year, particularly in cities such as Paris, Toulouse, Chambéry, and Saint-Nazaire.
The study, supported by the Ecological Transition Agency and the Ministry of Transport, reveals differences in cycling patterns depending on the environment and time of week. Indeed, during weekdays and in urban areas, cycling usage increased by 7% and 6% respectively, while on weekends and in peri-urban and rural areas, cycling appears to have stagnated. This trend indicates that the rise of cycling in France is primarily due to its use for everyday needs, such as commuting to work or school.
The data collection is based on 308 counters spread across the country, representative of the 1,500 counters on the national traffic platform, which plans to publish a detailed barometer in the spring. According to these measurements, the average number of bicycle passages per day reaches 1,345 in urban areas, compared to 216 in peri-urban areas and 133 in rural areas.

The Ministry of Transport's 2023-2027 Bicycle Plan

The French government has pledged €2 billion by 2027 to support the rise of cycling, unveiling an ambitious cycling and active mobility plan. This initiative aims to encourage cycling through various measures, including the development of infrastructure such as cycle paths, the extension of subsidies for the purchase of bicycles (find our 2024 aid guide here), including second-hand bicycles sold by professionals, and adjustments to the highway code to improve cyclists' safety and comfort.
Initially, the government announced an investment of €250 million for 2023. However, the expanded plan provides for a significant increase in funding, with a total projection of €6 billion, taking into account contributions from local authorities. Among the key measures is the continuation of the active mobility fund, with €1.25 billion allocated over the duration of the plan to accelerate the development of cycling facilities in France.
The goal is to increase the network of safe cycle lanes from 57,000 kilometers to 80,000 kilometers by 2027, with a long-term vision of reaching 100,000 kilometers by 2030. The plan also includes innovations to facilitate cycling, such as the installation of footrests and the piloting of a green light shift for bicycles, as well as an increase in the sustainable mobility package for civil servants.
To combat bicycle theft, the government has made it mandatory for new bicycle purchases to register them in a national database and plans to increase the number of secure parking spaces near train stations. Bicycle training courses for young people are also planned to strengthen education and road safety from an early age.
Finally, the plan highlights strong support for the bicycle production sector in France, with a production target of exceeding 1.4 million units by 2027, with a view to strengthening the reindustrialization of the sector and promoting sustainable modes of transport.

The Innovation and Transport Agency

The Transport Innovation Agency (AIT) was born out of the need to address major challenges in the transport sector, such as the ecological transition, the digital revolution, territorial cohesion, and resilience in times of crisis. Emerging from the 2018 Mobility Conference and the adoption of the Mobility Orientation Act in 2019, the AIT aims to promote innovation and coordinate efforts in this area. Faced with these challenges, innovation is considered the essential response, requiring a complete reinvention of technologies, industry, modes of travel, organizations, and public policies. The AIT acts as a catalyst for innovation by maintaining a watch, driving a culture of open innovation, establishing partnerships with various stakeholders, and supporting innovative project leaders. Its missions also include supporting the development of prototypes and facilitating experiments to shape the transport of tomorrow.

ADEME's AVELO program

On October 16, 2023, France updated its commitment to promoting cycling as a sustainable mode of transport with the launch of the AVELO 3 Call for Projects (AAP). This program, designed to support communities in the development of cycling infrastructure, is part of the continuity of national efforts to integrate cycling into urban mobility policies, aiming for more economical, healthy and environmentally friendly mobility.
ADEME, acting as the pillar of this initiative, is allocating a budget of €30 million for the period 2023-2026. The AVELO 3 call for proposals particularly targets peri-urban and rural areas, encouraging the adoption and expansion of cycling policies. With the objective of reaching 350 areas, including 50 departments and regions, the program aims to make cycling a means of daily transportation accessible to all, from a very young age.
This program is based on four main axes: the promotion of local policies favorable to cycling, the experimentation of cycling services, support for the development of cycling policies through the financing of studies, and the strengthening of territorial engineering. These axes cover a wide range of actions, from the planning and study of active mobility to the implementation of innovative cycling services and raising public awareness of cycling mobility.
ADEME also facilitates the recruitment of cycling project managers, thereby strengthening local expertise and the capacity of territories to implement effective cycling policies. Building on the successes of previous AVELO programs, which have already supported more than 650 territories, the AVELO 3 call for proposals seeks to broaden and deepen the impact of cycling on French mobility, advancing the vision of a more cycle-friendly and sustainable France.

French Federation of Bicycle Users (FUB)

The French Bicycle Users' Federation (FUB), founded in 1980, is a non-profit association committed to solving the daily problems of cyclists and encouraging the use of bicycles as a regular means of transportation. With over 510 member associations, the FUB coordinates with local stakeholders and public authorities and conducts awareness campaigns. It offers a range of pro-cycling activities such as safety advice, bicycle exchanges, documentation services, and initiatives such as self-repair workshops and bicycle schools. The FUB also organizes various events, including Sustainable Development Week and European Mobility Week, while publishing the magazine Vélocité. It actively combats bicycle theft through BicyCode® marking and a lock testing platform. In addition, it supports the learning of bicycle mobility through a network of bicycle schools and the professionalization of stakeholders. The FUB also provides legal support and assists in the creation of pro-cycling associations. Finally, it is committed to promoting gender equality in cycling and within associations.

Vélo France, economic sector

The French bicycle industry, known as France Vélo, plays a central role in unifying and developing the bicycle-related economy across the country. Its mission is to encourage the growth of all bicycle-related sectors: bicycle and component production, promotion of bicycle tourism, installation of essential cycling services, and construction of quality cycling infrastructure. The main objective is simple: to increase the number of cyclists across the country.
France Vélo stands out for its unique structure, which includes, in addition to traditional economic players, associations and institutions, all united by a shared vision for the future development of the sector. This collaborative approach is intended to create an exemplary and ambitious sector, responding to current environmental challenges while generating economic growth and jobs.
One of the main challenges lies in the ability to bring together all the stakeholders involved in the bicycle life cycle, from design to maintenance services, including manufacturing, assembly, and the installation of suitable infrastructure. To this end, the Club des villes et territoires cyclables (Cycling Cities and Territories Club) has initiated regional industrial visits and established nine thematic working groups, involving around a hundred people, in order to implement projects by 2030 in various areas such as production, services, planning, tourism, and sustainable development.
The sector's strategic role was reinforced by the first interministerial committee on cycling and active mobility, highlighting its importance as a lever for the French economy. This led to the development of a sector contract, currently being drafted and negotiated, which aims to formalize close collaboration between members of the sector and public authorities. This contract will define concrete actions and structuring projects for the future, committing to developing a sustainable and ambitious sector capable of addressing environmental challenges and promoting cycling throughout France.
Visit the Filière Vélo website for more information.

                   

Regional sectors: 3 clusters for French cycling

Currently, three specialized cycling clusters are active in France. These clusters leverage the power of collaborative effort and play a crucial role as regional hubs. Depending on your geographic location, you can contact one of these clusters to benefit from their support and services.

CYGO: The Union of Cycle Companies in the Grand Ouest

The CYGO initiative, the result of collaboration between companies in the cycling sector in the Grand Ouest region, responds to the government's desire to structure the cycling industry in France to promote its growth. Under the leadership of the ID4MOBILITY competitiveness cluster (see below), and thanks to the financial support of the Brittany, Pays de la Loire and Centre-Val de Loire regions, CYGO aims to promote the excellence of local businesses, encourage industrial relocation, stimulate innovation and strengthen training and employment. This initiative already brings together more than 60 members involved in different aspects of the cycling value chain, ranging from vehicle, component and accessory manufacturers to distribution players, including service providers and cycle tourism operators. CYGO's main objectives are to increase added value and jobs in the cycling sector in the Grand Ouest region, while promoting the growth of cycling practices and encouraging the use of cycling as a mode of transport.
Recently, CYGO took on an astonishing challenge: to design an electric bike in just six months, while prioritizing the maximum use of skills, parts, and accessories from companies in the Grand Ouest region. The goal was to produce a bike entirely "made in the Grand Ouest." Challenge accepted! The ByCYGO, as a symbol of cooperation between the cycling industry in the Grand Ouest, was created with a very promising first prototype. Discover it on the CYGO website .

ID4Mobility

ID4MOBILITY is a key player in building the future of mobility in the Greater West of France. It promotes collaborative innovation to benefit all stakeholders, from entrepreneurs to citizens. This organization believes in a hybrid approach to innovation, encompassing vehicles, services, industries, and infrastructure to address all necessary transitions. By supporting project leaders, ID4MOBILITY offers access to a business and technology network, advice for project structuring and financing, and support for industrialization. As a competitiveness cluster, their expertise in innovation allows them to propose the best development strategies in the field of land mobility. Their goal is to stimulate funded collaborative innovations by contributing to the development of projects in territories committed to ecological, social, and societal transitions, while challenging industrial and digital sovereignty.

CARA: the mobility cluster in the Rhône Alpes region

Founded in 2005, the Rhône Alpes Urban Community (CARA) expanded its scope in 2020 to include the Active Mobility Sector. Based in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, CARA has over 400 members, 160 of whom are affiliated with the Active Mobility Sector. This community brings together various stakeholders from the transport and mobility sectors, such as manufacturers, transport operators, research laboratories, training centers, and local authorities. Recognized in Europe, CARA supports the development of passenger and freight transport systems to meet the imperatives of public health and the ecological transition.
In addition to the five existing sectors (Commercial Vehicle, Automotive, Guided Air Transport, River, Rail), the Active Mobility Sector, focused on cycling, plays a key role in CARA's activities. Adopting a systemic and multimodal approach to urban mobility, this sector aims to support local cycling policies and initiatives. The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, historically innovative in this field, is a driving force for economic development in both industry and cycling-related services. CARA thus acts as a catalyst by connecting local initiatives with major regional and national cycling-related projects.

Vélo Vallée: the mobility hub of Occitanie

Founded in 2018, Vélo Vallée, Cluster Occitanie is the first cluster dedicated to the cycling sector in the Occitanie region. It brings together 63 members and is structured around eight colleges, covering various fields such as industry, environment, distribution, services, sports, product branding, tourism, and digital technology. Its influence extends across the region's thirteen departments.
The cluster's philosophy, which it calls "vélosophie," is to bring together, represent, and contribute to the development of all companies in the cycling sector. It emphasizes economic development, quality of life, sustainable development, innovation, and the promotion of the region, as well as all forms of cycling.
Its main objectives are to pool skills and bring stakeholders together to promote development in a sustainable environment, to give international visibility to the cluster and its members, and to make Occitanie the leading cycling tourism destination in France.

                   

The “made in France” bicycle, in concrete terms

The current craze for "Made in France" bicycles illustrates a growing consumer awareness of economically and environmentally responsible bikes. This trend goes beyond the simple act of purchase to become a true commitment to local know-how, quality, and sustainability. But what exactly is meant by a "Made in France" bicycle, and how does it differ from its "Assembled in France" counterpart? Let's dive into the details that make all the difference.

The bicycle made in France

A "Made in France" bicycle is characterized by its design and manufacture in France. This designation goes beyond assembly to encompass significant stages of production: from frame manufacturing to component manufacturing, including final assembly. The "Made in France" label implies that a substantial portion of the bicycle's value comes from manufacturing stages carried out in France, in accordance with the criteria established by the Directorate General for Enterprises (DGE).

A difference with the bike "assembled in France"

The main distinction between a "Made in France" and a "Assembled in France" bicycle lies in the degree of local industrial involvement. A bicycle assembled in France may include components from various countries, with final assembly taking place in France. This label can sometimes be confusing, leading people to believe that it is entirely French-made when the parts may actually come from Asia or Europe. The "Origine France Garantie" label provides additional precision, requiring that the place where the essential characteristics of the product are taken be in France and that at least 50% of its unit cost price be acquired on French territory. At Galian, we go beyond the specifications of the "Origine France Garantie" label with a bicycle currently manufactured with more than 80% of components purchased in France (including the frame), with the aim of further improving this score in the coming years.

Some examples of French brands

In the landscape of made-in-France bicycles, Galian's Formidable bike stands out thanks to its close collaboration with more than a dozen French artisans and manufacturers. From the manufacture of the aluminum frame, the work of MILC in Occitanie, to the doors made by SIA in Sarthe, and the assembly of the wheels in Brittany by Velox, Galian is betting on reindustrialization and choosing French industry to design high-performance and durable bicycles. Several companies also stand out for their commitment to local manufacturing. For example, we can mention the Ultima Mobility brand, which created the first electric bicycles entirely made in France, certified Origine France Garantie. We can also mention the bicycles of the Jean Fourche brand, committed to the revaluation of the bicycle production chain with sourcing favoring French and European components. Finally, the Velcan brand stands out for the design of carbon-frame mountain bikes, manufactured and assembled in France.

These brands, among others, embody the spirit of "Made in France" in the cycling world. They demonstrate that it is possible to combine innovation, quality, and respect for the environment while promoting French industrial heritage. The "Made in France" bicycle is not just a product; it is a conscious choice in favor of more responsible consumption and support for the local economy.