France Encourages Biking To Work As A Way To Avoid Crowding Public Transit

The French national flag decorates the Eiffel Tower as part of the VE Day ceremonies in Paris, Friday May 8, 2020. The 75th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe should be all about parades, remembrances, ... The French national flag decorates the Eiffel Tower as part of the VE Day ceremonies in Paris, Friday May 8, 2020. The 75th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe should be all about parades, remembrances, and one last great hurrah for veteran soldiers who are mostly in their nineties. Instead, it is a time of coronavirus lockdown and loneliness spent in search of memories both bitter and sweet. (AP Photo/Francois Mori) MORE LESS
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PARIS — Many in France are planning to bike to work rather than use crowded public transportation when the country lifts some confinement restrictions on Monday.

In Paris, people were lined outside a bike shop with second-hand bicycles on sale. Customer Sylvie Leger says she feels “anxious” about getting on the metro because of the coronavirus.

Biking has been encouraged by the French government to help with overcrowding on trains and buses. Temporary biking lanes will open in Paris. Cars will be banned from the famous Rue de Rivoli, a long street alongside the Louvre museum.

Also, France will subsidize riders up to 50 euros (nearly $55) for repairs.

Notable Replies

  1. That would be very smart for all of us. To bad American cites seem disdainful of human power mass transit.

  2. It is a great idea, but unfortunately, as many of us riders know, the culture and roads makes riding, especially in most cities in this country, dangerous for us, especially at commuting times. It is my dream that we will get to a place where great cities like Amsterdam and Vienna are, that in their own ways give riders, pedestrians and public transit the same ( and in Amsterdam more) respect than cars get. Maybe if the Big 3 (are they still that big?) turn their attention to e-bikes something would happen.

  3. Who’s Frances? Did you mean Francis?

  4. It’s what ya get when ya don;t (don’t) proof read.
    But as one who is familiar with the traffic and drivers in France I would say bike to work , although a great idea on paper, is in practice… risking your life.

  5. Avatar for grack grack says:

    You try to fit an accordion, long baguette, and mime costume in the panniers of a Peugeot 12 speed and then tell me!

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