Do you get around easily by bike in your town? Discover the cycle city barometer

The practice of bike in France has experienced unprecedented growth over the past two years, under the combined impetus of the pandemic of Covid-19, financial incentives from public authorities and a better awareness of the ecological issues linked to soft mobility. According to figures Union Sport & Cycle, 2.6 million bikes were sold in 2020, including 500,000 electric bikes. A positive and lasting trend that comes up against a reality with which many cyclists are confronted: the great disparity in cycling conditions. Indeed, the number and quality of cycle networks varies greatly from one municipality to another.

For the third year, the French Federation of Users of Bicycle (FUB) carries out its Cycling cities barometer which allows all users to share their cycling experience in their municipality. The investigation began in early October and is open to everyone. It consists of a online questionnaire of five minutes which allows you to assess the quality of bicycle traffic in the municipality of your choice: presence of cycle paths, bicycle parking points, bicycle rental services bike, density and practicality of the network, feeling of security, involvement of the municipality in favor of soft mobility, expectations …

Harsh judgment for small towns

More than 100,000 contributors have already participated and the results are updated in real time on an interactive map of France. The green pellets report a percentage of mostly positive feedback, the orange dots a mixed satisfaction and the red a generally negative judgment. Unsurprisingly, we see that the level of satisfaction is generally good in large urban areas where the policy in favor of bicycle travel benefits from a substantial and sustained investment. However, with a notable exception in Paris where users have a negative opinion, despite the city hall’s proactive policy in favor of bike.

Across the whole of France, the vast majority of the map is dotted with red and orange dots which appear in small towns, where the inclusion of the bicycle in traffic plans is deemed not to be. live up to expectations. These results should be taken with some reservations because the number of participants per municipality is sometimes very limited (1 to 2 people) and the study has not yet been completed. In addition, it is the expression of a feeling that does not necessarily reflect the reality of the efforts made by the municipalities concerned. But there is no doubt that there is still a lot to do to make cycling safe and enjoyable in most towns and villages in France.