France urban mobility: cycling networks expand in Toulouse while Lyon faces infrastructure disputes

Urban mobility projects in France are seeing both expansion and political friction. In Toulouse, the metropolitan area is accelerating its Réseau Express Vélo (REV) project, aiming to create 70 kilometers of rapid cycling lanes by 2030 to connect 12 communes. This initiative seeks to provide a continuous, secure alternative to cars by integrating with existing metro, bus, and tram networks. Additionally, the VélôToulouse bike-sharing service is expanding to several communes, including Blagnac, Colomiers, and L’Union, though some stations have faced closures due to vandalism.

In Lyon, the development of cycling infrastructure has become a point of political contention. The renovation of the Pont de l’Université will no longer include a dedicated bidirectional cycle path, a decision made by the new right-wing metropolitan majority. This reversal of a previous ecological plan has drawn criticism from the association ‘La Ville à Vélo’ and former metropolitan president Bruno Bernard, who argue the decision prioritizes cost savings over cyclist and pedestrian safety. The current setup relies on simple painted markings, which critics claim maintains dangerous conflicts between users.