As part of the deconfinement, new cycle paths have been set up in the city of Le Mans with the aim of encouraging travel by bike. The bicycle, as we all know, is a so-called “green” means of transport because it is both ecological and economical.
It makes it possible to respect the distance measures of one meter and to avoid the use of public transport. It also allows the inhabitants of the city to practice a little sport after these long days of confinement and to reduce travel time.
The first phase of the project
In Le Mans, the community has decided to implement new cycle routes and the first stage of this project is the development of Avenue Bollée, one of the main axes towards the city centre.
According to the official declaration: "The section of avenue Bollée, currently in two dual carriageways, between the Chanzy/De Gaulle intersection up to the intersection with rue de la Mariette, will thus be reserved in both direction, on its right-hand lane for bicycles, and this in a sustainable way, beyond May 11, 2020”. Thus, various works have been started to concretize these words, citing only the tracings on the ground, the road interventions and the reprogramming of the traffic lights.
The other cycle routes still under study
Once this first phase has been completed, the development of other cycle routes is being studied in the city, including the Quai Louis Blanc between the Gambetta bridge and the Yssoir bridge which allows cycling continuity along the Sarthe, and a lane from rue Voltaire in the logic of extension towards the neighborhoods for bicycles.
In addition, the local authority is also studying the possibility of installing bicycle lane safety devices in avenue Olivier-Heuzé, again in order to promote and facilitate the cycling in the city.
Government objectives
In addition, the territory of Le Mans Métropole currently has 110 km of cycle lanes and plans to develop a 250 km network until 2030. It is therefore a long-term project in order to fight against the spread of the coronavirus and which may call into question the modes of travel in the city of the future.
Finally, it should be noted that the development of cycle paths is not the only initiative that has been taken by the Government in recent weeks, there are also other boosts: purchase of electric bike, bike repair, bike parking and training mechanics.