The French Government is offering people €50 to repair their old bikes to encourage active travel once lockdown restrictions are lifted. France has begun the slow process of lifting its nationwide lockdown restrictions put in place to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.
The French minister of sport confirmed on Thursday morning that as of 11th May, cyclists will be permitted to ride outdoors again albeit alone and with a 10 metre gap from other riders.
Minister of Ecological Transition, Elisabeth Borne, also confirmed that the government would be offering €50 for people to take old bikes to local bike shops in order to have them repaired and made safe to ride.
Individuals will be able to take any bike to their local repair shop where mechanics will work on it to the cost of €50, claiming the money back from the government rather than charging the rider. For any repairs over €50, then payment will be necessary.
It is part of a wider €20 million investment from the French Government to cover the cost of bicycle repairs and increase bicycle storage across the country once restrictions are lifted.
Borne hopes the incentive will encourage people to cycle. 'It is a boost to the bike during the deconfinement period to encourage us to choose this mode of travel,' the minister expained. 'We want this period to take a step forward in cycling culture, and that the bicycle is the little queen of deconfinement in a way.'
Borne added that 60% of journeys in France are 5km or less and could easily be taken by bicycle rather than a private car.
France has been leading the way in encouraging cycling as the preferred method of transport for when coronavirus restrictions are lifted.
The region of Ile-de-France has confirmed it will immediately pump €300 million of investment into improved cycling infrastructure in and around Paris, with new segregated cycleways expected as early as 11th May.
Additionally, the city of Paris has decided to restrict private cars using the Rue de Rivoli reserving it for emergency vehicles, public transport and cyclists.
The road will be known by cycling fans for guiding the Tour de France peloton into its final kilometre of racing annually on the Champs-Elysees.