PARIS — The French government plans to spend €2 billion ($2.2 billion) by 2027 to improve cycling infrastructure and enable people to buy bicycles to reduce car use. I’m here.
The goal is to double the bike lane network and the government will spend €250 million annually on new bike lanes from 2023 to 2027. The remaining budget will be used for other measures to promote cycling.
Transport Minister Clément Beaune tweeted: “The state’s cycling initiative is of unprecedented scale.
The government wants to make the bicycle an attractive alternative to the car and a form of transportation accessible to everyone from an early age and throughout life, Beaune told Le Parisien newspaper.
The goal is to expand the country’s bike lane network from 50,000 km (30,000 miles) today to 80,000 km by 2027 and 100,000 km (62,000 miles) by 2030. This gives priority to local cities and rural areas, as large cities are already receiving. Beaune said there is substantial state funding for bicycle infrastructure.
Around 500 million euros will be allocated as a subsidy for the purchase of bicycles, including second-hand bicycles.
The government will also increase spending on bicycle parking facilities in train stations and cities, increase spending on anti-theft markings on bicycles, and provide bicycle training for all elementary school students.
Cycling organizations welcomed the initiative.
“This visionary initiative will not only change the way citizens commute and live, but will also make France a world leader in promoting cycling infrastructure and culture,” said Olivier Schneider, president of the FUB Cyclists Union.
