The French love cycling

Whether it’s Sunday strolls or everyday cycling for commuters, the small queen retains a special place in the hearts of the French.

93% of the French declare they know how to ride a bike, although 28% admit to poorly mastering its use. The Ministry for Transport has unveiled the first results of a novel survey on bicycle usage in France in 2023. It particularly reveals that nearly 40% of French people cycle at least once a month. This survey helps to better understand and reliably analyze cycling practices nationwide and lays the groundwork for regular monitoring.

First and foremost, 37% of French people ride a bike at least once a month. That’s good, but there is room for improvement, as in Germany where the figure reaches 59%. Similarly, French people own 0.5 bikes per person compared to 1.3 in the Netherlands, the bike capital. Among this population of two-wheel enthusiasts, 25% are regular cyclists with a practice of at least once a week. Unsurprisingly, the share of these regular cyclists remains higher in city centers (> 30%) than in suburbs or rural areas (< 26%). It decreases with age, with 34% for those aged 11-34 dropping to 14% for those 65-85. That's a pity, because cycling helps improve lung capacity and heart rate without stressing the joints, unlike running. And incidentally, it also allows for faster travel!

Finally, and unfortunately much less encouraging, 37% of cyclists never wear a helmet.