Lyon: An Attractive Metropolis for Bicycles and Micro-mobility

The city of Lyon has become a true hub of technologies and services for the bicycle and micro-mobility sector in 2022.

Lyon enables the micro-mobility and soft mobility sector to develop in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. A great success, judging by the number of companies listed in 2022. 112 companies generating 630 jobs were located at the Cara competitiveness cluster.

With the implementation of Lyon’s Low Emission Zone, alternative soft mobility options must grow to adapt to population movements. Thus, the metropolis is heavily investing in the bicycle and soft mobility sector: 500 million euros of budget are allocated by the city.

Some examples of investments already in place

Indeed, by 2026, 12 bike lane lines will connect the surrounding towns of the metropolitan area. It does not stop at city bikes: the city is also investing in last-mile transportation, notably through cargo bikes.

Moreover, the city offers the Sustainable Mobility Package to its employees. The 2023 version allows municipal staff to receive up to 300 euros per year per employee in addition to covering 50% of their public transport subscription.

For students and young people aged 18 to 25, the city offers the Free Vélo’V service. It allows them to rent a bike for short durations—3, 6, 9, or 12 months. This contract is renewable for up to 24 months (i.e., 2 years). Cyclists then return the bike at the end of their rental period.

Since the launch of this service, more than 1,766 people have benefited from the program. It encourages young people to adopt cycling. It is beneficial both for their health (physical and mental) and for their wallets!

With all these financial and material investments, the city aims to establish itself as a hub of cycling innovation in France!

Also read: Railcoop, the Lyon-Bordeaux train available from summer 2024