A quarter of the French pedal every week, transforming cities and countryside. Who are these cyclists? Why this boom? Discover the trends … and a surprise!
Imagine a city where the song of the birds replaces the sound of the engines, where the streets breathe and where each pedal stroke seems to draw a greener future. In France, this painting is no longer a utopia: a quarter of the population lands a bicycle at least once a week. This phenomenon, much more than a mode, marks a real cycling revolution which redefines our lifestyles, our cities and even our relationship to time. But who are these pedals, and why is the bicycle imposed itself as the symbol of a deep change? Let’s dive into this two -wheeled wave.
The bicycle, a rising star of travel in France
Bike is no longer just a Sunday leisure. With 24 % of French people pedaling regularly, including 10 % daily, the small queen settles in the landscape permanently. This rise in power, carried by initiatives such as May by bikereveals a craze that transcends the borders of large metropolises. But behind these figures hide contrasting realities: who pedal, for what, and above all, why now?
A robot portrait of the French cyclist
If we had to draw the typical cyclist, it would be young, urban, and often male. Indeed, 29 % of men roll regularly, compared to 20 % of women. But this portrait evolves. The figures show a diversification of profiles:
- Urban people Dominate, but rural people are starting to pedal, especially for leisure.
- Young people (18-34 years old) are the most diligent, but the seniors get started, timidly.
- Womenalthough fewer, gain ground, especially in cities equipped with secure tracks.
These trends show that cycling is no longer the prerogative of a sports elite or a limited group. It becomes a lifestyle, a choice as practical as it is ideological.
“Bike is freedom. I go to work without stress, and I play sports without realizing it. »»
Marie, 32, daily cyclist in Lyon
Why do we pedal? Decrypt motivations
Bike is above all a business affair. Almost half of the cyclists (47 %) get on their mount for sport or the ride. But other uses emerge:
Main uses of cycling:
- 28 % for utility races or trips.
- 17 % to go to work.
- 8 % to support children in school.
These figures reveal a transition: bicycle is no longer just a hobby, but a daily tool. In major cities, where traffic jams and public transport costs weigh, it seduces with its simplicity and efficiency. But that’s not all: pedaling is also a gesture for the planet, a way to reduce your carbon footprint while taking care of your health.
Cities, engines of the cycling revolution
If the bike is gaining ground, it is largely thanks to the metropolises. Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg or Bordeaux invest massively in Cyclable fittings : secure tracks, dedicated parking lots, and even financial aid for the purchase of electric bikes. Result ? Urban people are pedaling more, and home-bike-bike journeys explode.
| Ville | Km of cycle paths (2025) | % bicycle journeys |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | 1 200 | 15 % |
| Lyon | 900 | 12 % |
| Strasbourg | 600 | 18 % |
These investments are not trivial. They meet a growing demand for Sustainable mobility And to a collective awareness: our cities must breathe. However, not everything is rosy: rural areas, often devoid of infrastructure, remain behind.
Obstacles: Security and inequalities
If the bike seduces, it also put off. Security remains a major brake, especially for women and seniors. Accidents, although rare (less than 2 % of road incidents), mark the spirits. The rural people point to the absence of tracks and the too long distances. How to lift these barriers?
Solutions envisaged:
- Multiply secure cycle paths, even in rural areas.
- Awareness of motorists in the sharing of the road.
- Subsidize electric bikes for long distances.
“I would like to pedal, but without a cycle path, I’m afraid. Cars are too fast. »»
Claire, 45, resident of a village in Normandy
These testimonies recall that the cycling revolution will only be complete if it includes all territories and all populations. Local communities have a key role to play, but mentalities must also evolve.
Bicycle, a lever for health and ecology
Pedaling, it’s good for the body and for the planet. An hour of bike burns about 400 calories and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. On the environment side, a bicycle route emits 10 times less CO2 than in car. These arguments appeal, especially in young generations, sensitive to climatic issues.
The cycling in key figures:
36 million bikes in France, including 25 % unused.
24 % of French people regularly pedal.
1 bicycle route = 90 % less emissions compared to the car.
This double health-ecology benefit could explain why cycling stands out as a solution for the future. But for this potential to materialize, it takes ambitious public policies and a culture of cycling rooted in habits.
And tomorrow? To a 100 % cycleal France
Can France become a cycling nation, like the Netherlands or Denmark? The signals are encouraging. Sales of electric bikes explode (+30 % in 2024), and companies adopt mobility plans encouraging their employees to pedal. But to move up a gear, several sites are essential:
- ✔️ Develop a national network of cycle paths.
- ✔️ Strengthen road education from school.
- ✔️ Encourage employers to subsidize bicycle journeys.
Bike is not just a means of transport. He embodies a philosophy: that of a slower, healthier life, more respectful of our environment. Each pedal stroke counts, and together, these millions of cyclists trace the way for a future where cities will be more human.
“Bike is a small personal revolution. And if we all get started, it can change the world. »»
Lucas, 28, activist for sustainable mobility
So, ready to join the cycling revolution? Whether you are a Sunday pedaller or a seasoned switch, one thing is certain: the bicycle has not finished transforming France. What if the next pedal stroke was yours?
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