Le bike is one of the stars of deconfinement. It has been increasingly successful since May 11, 2020, as it is a practical, economical and ecological means of transport. The French Government is even encouraging the practice and the return to cycling at this time, because it makes it possible to respect social distancing measures and to fight effectively against the spread of the virus.
Among the initiatives that have been taken by the latter, it is worth mentioning, for example: the development of several kilometers of cycle paths in certain cities, the construction of a few parking lots for two-wheelers and the proposal of different kinds of assistance. In Indre, a bicycle boost and other additional measures are also put forward.
What is the "Bike boost"?
The “Bicycle Boost” project was launched by the Ministry of Ecological and Inclusive Transition a few weeks ago and is allocated 20 million euros. It benefits everyone cyclist who has their bike repaired by one of the approved repairers for a flat rate of 50 euros excluding taxes. And the help concerns all expenses related to the rehabilitation of the bicycle such as the cost of repairing or changing tires, brakes, chains or lights.
“Getting back in the saddle”: a complementary measure?
Other complementary measures are added to this “Bike boost”. First of all, there is the "Get back in the saddle" which is planned from May 18, 2020 and which results in the accompaniment of individuals in the use of the bike during a short session of about an hour.
Thus, practitioners will be able to learn how to handle the bike, how to navigate around town, and how to choose a lock and bicycle repair. And as with the “Bicycle Boost” operation, the list of approved training establishments is displayed on the official platform.
What about parking assistance?
In addition, there are also parking aids. These are offered to communities, stations, social landlords, multimodal transport hubs, schools, educational establishments in order to encourage them to buy and install special parking lots for two-wheelers.
More specifically, the latter can benefit from coverage of up to 60% of the costs. And if they begin to secure their bicycle parking lots, it is certain that Indre, like the other French departments, will succeed in perpetuating this policy in favor of bicycles.