The bike ride

Introduction

Cycle tourism in France is continuing to flourish, against a backdrop of increasing bicycle use. The 2019 Loi d'orientation des mobilités (Mobility Orientation Law) promotes the implementation of a "bicycle system", combining facilities, services and support for changes in cycling habits. The law also incorporates the national cycle route plan, giving it not only a legal dimension, but also a strategic scope, requiring developers to build dedicated cycle infrastructure. The aim is to provide long-distance, continuous and interconnected routes. By January¹, 2023, France had registered more than 26,000 km of national cycle routes (59 routes), and had completed 79.5% of them, including 46% on exclusive right-of-way. The "Destination France" plan unveiled in November 2021 sets out to make France the world's "number one bicycle tourism destination" by 2030!

Facilities and devices to encourage practices

A pillar of the cycling system, cycle paths contribute to safe and peaceful cycling, provided they are designed as continuums, avoiding the pitfalls of disjointed or "confetti" sections that can be a hindrance to inexperienced cyclists. Cycle paths are facilities dedicated solely to bicycles, and physically separated from other roads. Cycle lanes, on the other hand, are also reserved for non-motorized two-wheelers, but separated from other lanes only by road markings. Other systems also encourage cycling. Low-traffic roads and 30 km/h zones provide pleasant, safe conditions for cycling. Right-turns" (or "give way to cyclists" at traffic lights), sometimes authorized at red lights (and indicated by signs), are regulations that promote cyclists' safety. Limiting the use of cars, through paid parking for example, is another way of making cycling safer. Added to this are the other pillars of the cycling system: sufficient and secure parking facilities, services providing access to bicycles (rental, sales, repairs), and support for cycling (courses for learning and getting back in the saddle). It's these elements, along with others, that will be found on routes dedicated to leisure activities.

Routes to develop mobility, particularly for leisure activities

Cycle routes can take the form of cycle paths, greenways or low-traffic roads, signposted and signposted (panels and road markings indicating direction and mileage).

A véloroute is a signposted and safe cycle route for tourists, linking towns and regions in a continuous fashion. It uses both dedicated roads (such as greenways) and small, low-traffic roads. Cycle routes are designed according to national specifications. The aim is to create a network of continuous, interconnected cycle routes.

A cycle route is more than just a signposted and signposted route: it often combines a whole range of services: bike-related services (rental, repair), accommodation, but also tourist sites or sites of natural and scenic interest.

Several cycle routes are part of long-distance itineraries, on a national or European scale, such as the European cycle routes, also known as EuroVelos.

EuroVelos are European cultural cycle routes. Ten EuroVelos cross French territory:

EuroVelo 1 - Véloroute de la côte Atlantique (follows the route of the vélodyssée on the French part)

EuroVelo 3 - Pilgrims' Cycle Route

EuroVelo 4 - Central European cycle route (including 1,500 km on the Vélomaritime in France)

EuroVelo 5 - Via Romea Francigena

EuroVelo 6 - Atlantic - Black Sea (follows the Loire à vélo itinerary)

EuroVelo 8 - Mediterranean cycle route

EuroVelo 12 - North Sea cycle route

EuroVelo 15 - Rhine cycle route

EuroVelo 17 - Rhone cycle route

EuroVelo 19 - La Meuse à Vélo

A greenway is a development entirely dedicated to non-motorized vehicles. They are often former towpaths or railroad lines. The continuity of the route is ensured, and the morphology of the path (flat or with gentle gradients) makes it widely accessible. What's more, these routes can form a cultural itinerary, and benefit from a pleasant landscape. They also include services (accommodation, bike hire, etc.).

Advertising