The history of cycling policies in France: from modest beginnings to a national ambition

The rise of cycling policies in France is a fascinating testament to the transformation of mobility and leisure practices. From the first developments of the 1970s to the advent of European and national networks of cycle routes and greenways, this history is marked by local initiatives, determined actors and continuous technical progress.

The beginnings of cycling infrastructure in France (1976-1993)

In the 1970s, cycle touring began to emerge as a popular activity, but suitable infrastructure remained scarce. In 1976, Michel Delore's articles in Le Monde They offered a revolutionary vision, describing an embryonic network of concrete slab tracks in the Landes region, remnants of former military infrastructure. These texts contributed to creating a myth around these paths and sparking interest in cycle touring.

In parallel, structures dedicated to the development of cycling were emerging:

• In 1980: Creation of FUBicy (today FUB): French Federation of Bicycle Users ) in Strasbourg, under the impetus of Jean Chaumien, aiming to promote cycling as a means of urban transport.
• In 1989: The Club des Villes Cyclables was founded in Bordeaux by Hélène Desplats, which would become a driving force for the improvement of local cycling infrastructure.

The early 1990s saw the emergence of modern cycle route concepts. In Switzerland, booklets already offered intercity cycle routes, while in the Netherlands, networks like the LF1 Noordzee route became iconic. In France, the FFCT (French Federation of Cyclotourism) introduced the concept of "cycloroutes," primarily intended for recreational cyclists.

The institutional beginnings: a national awakening (1994-1997)

It was during Michel Barnier's tenure as Minister of the Environment in 1994 that the idea of ​​"cycle routes" took shape. Although the term was borrowed from an existing concept, it catalyzed the creation of a national committee for monitoring cycling policymarking an unprecedented public commitment.

This period also saw:

• Belgium launched its RAVeL (Autonomous Network of Slow Routes) program in 1995.
• The emergence of the EuroVelo project by the European Cycling Federation (ECF), planning 15 transnational cycle routes.

The year 1997 marked a crucial milestone with the creation of the Givry-Cluny greenway in Burgundy. Stretching over 44 km, it is the result of the work of André Gentien, mayor of Buxy.

This landmark achievement inspired the creation of theAF3V (French Association of Cycle Routes and Greenways ) and the organization of First European Railway Meetingsleading to the founding of the AEVV (European Greenways Association ).

A national structure: the national cycle route scheme (1998-2006)

In 1998, the French government adopted a national cycle route planmarking a turning point in the institutionalization of cycling policies. Jean-Marie Tétart, an official at the Ministry of Equipment, played a key role in this development, planning a coherent network integrating greenways into the State-Region planning contracts.

The following developments strengthen this framework:

• In 2000: Adoption of the "Lille Declaration", calling for an integrated European Green Network.
• In 2001: Creation of the National Mission for Cycle Routes and Greenways (MN3V), responsible for the implementation of the national scheme.
• In 2004: Publication of a decree defining greenways as infrastructure prohibited to motorized traffic, strengthening their safety and attractiveness.

In parallel, the creation of the association Cycling & Territories The 1999 initiative proved decisive. This network, initially comprising departments, plays a key role in the implementation of cycling projects by ensuring coordination between the various local authorities.

Contemporary challenges: diversification and shared governance (2007-2017)

The period 2007-2017 was marked by a proliferation of actors involved:

• The AF3V continues to promote cycle routes, publishing regular guides to highlight the routes.
• Le Club of Cycling Cities and Territories plays a leading role in the financing and evaluation of urban infrastructure.

However, the dissolution of the MN3V in 2014 marked a decline in direct state involvement. The governance of cycle routes now rests with regional entities and citizen associations, highlighting territorial disparities in the development and maintenance of the networks.

Cycling & Territories It then becomes a central player in this new configuration, acting as an interface between local authorities and public bodies. The association strives to harmonize approaches and advocate for increased funding.

In parallel, the approach France Cycling Tourism was launched in 2012 by the French government to promote cycling tourism. The association was founded by tourism and cycling industry experts, joined by the three major tourism federations representing the regions, and now all grouped together withinTourism DNA (National Federation of Institutional Tourism Organizations)

It has since been responsible for promotional/communication missions, implementing the Accueil Vélo label, harmonizing signage/route numbering, developing new interregional routes, and monitoring the economic performance of the market.

Recent developments and future prospects (2017-2024)

Since 2017, several initiatives have enhanced the attractiveness and accessibility of cycling infrastructure:

• In 2019: Launch of Cycling Plan by the government, with a budget of 350 million euros over 7 years, aiming to create 1000 km of additional cycle paths.
• In 2020: The COVID-19 health crisis is accelerating the implementation of temporary cycle paths, the "corona cycle paths", many of which are becoming permanent due to their success.
• In 2023: Adoption of the National Cycling Master Plan, planning for the integration of cycle routes into urban mobility plans.

Existing structures continue to play a key role in these developments:

• The AF3V maintains its monitoring role on the routes, by publishing progress reports on the advancement of the national scheme.
• Le Club of Cycling Cities and Territories promotes intermodality between cycling and public transport.
• Local authorities, such as the metropolitan areas of Strasbourg and Nantes, are investing heavily in urban networks to increase the modal share of cycling.

Vélo & Territoires, which has now expanded its network to nearly 220 members, is at the forefront of these transformations. By integrating the principles of the program France 2030 programThe association actively participates in defining national strategic priorities:

• Create a structured cycling network of 100,000 km.
• Achieve a cycling modal share of 12%.
• To make France the world's leading destination for cycling tourism.

January 1, 2025 will mark an important milestone with the merger of Vélo & Territoires and the Club des Villes et Territoires Cyclables to form the Cycling and Walking Network , an even more robust structure to represent communities committed to active mobility.

The challenges of today and tomorrow

Despite the progress made, several challenges remain:

• Sustainable funding: Although funding has increased, the needs to maintain and expand infrastructure remain greater than the allocated budgets.
• Territorial equity: Rural areas and urban peripheries still suffer from a lack of suitable cycling infrastructure.
• Education and awareness: Incorporating cycling into daily habits requires an effort in learning from a very young age.
• European integration: Harmonizing cycling standards between member countries is a key objective to make cross-border routes more consistent.

The program France 2030 programWith its ambitious vision, this plan provides a response to these challenges. Co-written with representatives from local authorities, tourism and mobility stakeholders, and users, this shared vision sets a clear course:

• Balancing the territories through a coherent cycling network.
• Making cycling a tool for mobility and public health.
• Position France as a world leader in cycle tourism.
• Bringing together national and European stakeholders around a common ambition.

With objectives such as quadrupling funding and completing major cycling infrastructure projects, this program embodies a strong commitment to positioning France as a world leader in cycling tourism and mobility. The impending merger of the two major associations in 2025 also offers hope for improved coordination and more effective governance.