Imagine yourself pedaling on sunny roads, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, between the turquoise sea and the fragrant lavender hills. Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is set to turn this vision into reality with the arrival of 10,000 km of new bike paths. Yes, you heard it right! This iconic region, already popular among cycling enthusiasts, is going to reinvent itself to offer a unique experience to cyclists of all levels. Whether you are an adventurer seeking thrills or a leisurely rider looking to enjoy every moment, get ready to pedal on routes that will reveal the wild beauty and cultural richness of the area. Get in the saddle, because the cycling revolution is now!
A bold vision for the future of transportation
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is committed to transforming your cycling experience with an ambitious project: the creation of 10,000 km of new bike paths by 2028. This plan is part of an eco-responsible dynamic that encourages cycling to promote soft mobility in the region.
Since 2020, the region has been implementing initiatives and investments aimed at developing a network of bike paths to connect the beautiful towns of this territory. With this approach, the region aims not only to encourage cycling but also to offer new opportunities for tourist rides and daily commutes.
A policy to support soft mobility
Each year, 16 million euros are invested to improve cycling infrastructure and equipment. These funds come from several programs, such as “Our Territories First” and support from the European Union via the FEDER fund. This allows for robust and sustainable funding for a network that still lacks 7,000 km of paths.
The region can already rely on nearly 3,000 kilometers of bike paths, but the ambition is to create vast stretches of diversity ranging from peaceful trails to routes suitable for cyclists of all levels.
Bike routes for exploring in complete peace
Currently, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur already has 1,100 kilometers of bike routes. The goal is to reach 2,060 km within a few years. These routes are designed for cycling tourism enthusiasts who wish to discover the postcard-worthy landscapes that the region has to offer. Imagine pedaling through lavender fields, along the Mediterranean coastline, or exploring verdant hills—all in safety!
Intermodality for a better experience
The region facilitates intermodality between bike and train by equipping 120 train stations with bike shelters, thereby offering 1,144 additional parking spaces. In the long term, all 146 regional train stations will benefit from this improvement, making your travels even smoother. Furthermore, every ZOU! bus line already includes bike spots, further enriching the cycling ecosystem.
The benefits of this change
- Fostering ecotourism: dedicated paths for nature lovers.
- Supporting the local economy: attracting tourists and energizing businesses.
- Improving quality of life: less congested roads and more tranquility.
- Promoting a healthy lifestyle: encouraging physical activity and well-being.
FAQ
What are the goals of creating new bike paths? The main objective is to develop a cycling network of 10,000 km by 2028 to support soft mobility and ecotourism.
What budget is allocated to this project each year? The region allocates 16 million euros per year for the development and improvement of cycling infrastructure.
What infrastructures are already in place for cyclists? There are already 3,000 km of bike paths and 1,100 km of bike routes in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
How can trains and bikes be combined? Currently, 120 train stations offer bike shelters, and all ZOU! bus lines include bike spots.