Cycle tourism and commuting: dual use of cycle facilities
Cycling facilities are not lacking in France. It is possible to find in the country both cycle paths and greenways and cycle routes. In fact, the objective is to create a network of continuous and interconnected cycle routes. If in 2021, France records 18 km of developed routes, it wants to reach 848 km in 25.
Cycle routes
Taking first of all the case of cycle routes, these major national cycle routes are for tourism. They connect the French departments and regions to each other and they allow you to discover the French heritage, in particular the landscapes and the major sites not to be missed in the country.
Bike paths
As for the cycle paths, they are reserved exclusively for cyclists. It is generally a lane separated from the roadway dedicated to motor vehicles or otherwise an adjacent lane. Unlike cycle lanes, cycle paths do not appear as markings on the ground on a conventional roadway.
Greenways
In addition, greenways are facilities dedicated to all non-motorized traffic. They can be used by cyclists as well as pedestrians, people with reduced mobility and horses. They have a dual use, including: cycle tourism and commuting.
In fact, greenways are frequently laid out in forest roads, in the alleys of urban parks or on the towpaths of canals and rivers. Hence their compatibility with walks and excursions to bike with family.
Cycle routes
It should be noted that in France there are also cycle routes laid out on small roads with low traffic. These routes link cycle paths and greenways together and are suitable for both cycle tourism and commuting.
The EuroVelo
As far as the EuroVelo is concerned, it is the European cycle network. Once completed, it will total 90 km, including the French cycle network.
In fact, 10 out of 17 EuroVelo routes cross France, including: EuroVelo 1 – Vélodyssée; EuroVelo 3 – Scandiberic; EuroVelo 4 – Vélomaritime; EuroVelo 5 – Via Romea Francigena; EuroVelo 6; EuroVelo 8 – Mediterranean by bike; EuroVelo 12; EuroVelo 15 – Rhine Cycle Route; EuroVelo 17 – ViaRhôna and EuroVelo 19.
This also means that France occupies a major place in the European cycle network, since it benefits from nearly 9 km of EuroVelo cycle routes.