The “bike plan” implemented in France We talk about it here
The Cycling Plan, announced by Transport Minister Elisabeth Borne in September 2018, involves developing the use of bicycles throughout France. There are a number of issues at stake here for both the State and residents, as you can read below.
What's at stake ?
Cycling is good for your health, as it helps to prevent certain pathologies, improve your physical condition and increase your ability to concentrate. The radiofrance.fr website also reports that Matthieu Orphelin asserts that employees who cycle have 15% fewer sick days than non-cycling employees, which also suits the government and employers.
Cycling also makes cycling accessible to everyone, while being cheap and non-polluting. Buying a bike is possible at very reasonable prices (especially when compared with other means of transport), and it drastically reduces CO2 emissions for the general public.
It also makes towns and cities more attractive by freeing up public spaces from cars, which cause both noise and air quality pollution.
Last but not least, cycling helps to create jobs in France, as over a third of all bicycles are assembled in France, and using a bicycle can lead to the consumption of related services.
How is it being implemented ?
The cycling plan is being implemented in a number of ways. Firstly, there is the development of high-quality cycle facilities, for example by creating greenways or cycle paths, while improving road safety on existing cycle paths. There is also the development of safety measures to prevent bicycle theft, particularly in large cities. Finally, there is the development of a culture of cycling in both sporting and educational contexts, encouraging people to use bicycles as a mode of transport or as a means of exercising.
What's happening in the Saone et Loire ?
The map below shows the accidents that occurred between 2005 and 2014. You can click on the buttons next to it to filter what appears on the map.
Saône-et-Loire is firmly committed to sustainable mobility with its Bicycle Plan. Between 2020 and 2022, 5,000 residents will benefit from 1.7 million euros in subsidies for the purchase of bicycles. Four new greenways, each 10 to 15 km long, link picturesque areas of the département, promoting both tourism and daily commuting. In addition, a section of departmental roads has been upgraded to encourage cycling between communes.
In addition to infrastructure, the plan also includes financial incentives to make cycling more accessible. The long-term aim is to develop and improve cycling infrastructure by 2028, paving the way for a greener, healthier future, while reducing car dependency. Saône-et-Loire is an inspiring example of how to promote soft mobility and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2005, the median severity of accidents was 4, indicating a relatively high level of seriousness. This trend continued in 2006, with a median of 3, showing a slight improvement. However, in 2007, severity increased again, with a median of 3. This oscillation continued until 2014, when severity reached its lowest point with a median of 3, and then remained relatively stable until 2021. Here, we can see that the bicycle plan has not had a significant effect.
The average age of people involved in accidents in 2005 was around 37.95 years. In 2006, this average age was slightly lower, at 35.05. However, in 2013, the average age peaked at 59.06, indicating a significant increase. Thereafter, the average age fell, stabilizing at around 50 in 2019, before dropping to around 39 in 2020. Nevertheless, it can be seen that since 2013, the average age of people involved in accidents has been falling, which means that safety has improved.
In 2005, there was just one lethal accident. In 2006, this number doubled to two lethal accidents. In 2013, it peaked at four lethal accidents. Thereafter, the number of lethal accidents varies from year to year, with an overall downward trend, dropping to zero in 2020, then rising again to two in 2021. The implementation of the bicycle plan is beginning to make itself felt over the last few years, which is very encouraging.
Conclusion
These data underline the importance of keeping a close eye on road safety, and of taking measures to reduce the severity of accidents and the number of fatal accidents. The development of cycling infrastructures, such as those provided for in the Plan Vélo, will improve the safety of cyclists on Saône-et-Loire's roads.
