High quality cycling route

Summary

As part of La Rochelle’s commitment to innovative soft measures in promoting sustainable modes of transportation, a continuous, secure cycle path was created for home-to-school trips, home-to-work trips and leisure activities.

Implementing sustainable mobility

In the field of sustainable mobility, “soft measures” include promotion, awareness raising and the provision of information with the aim of increasing levels of walking, cycling, car sharing and public transport use, and encouraging a reduction in the use of the private car.

La Rochelle adopted a strategic plan on cycling in the city, with the aim of building 14 km of cycle path running through four of La Rochelle’s communes and linking rural, per-urban and densely populated urban areas. The aim was to develop the use of bicycles by ensuring a secure cycle path for commuters and related infrastructure for leisure and tourism.

Progress

In spring 2005, the route of the cycle path was discussed with the regional authority, municipality representatives, local cycling associations and residents.

Infrastructure was adapted for everyday travel in an urban environment, focusing on safety and comfort and designed to be “eco-friendly”. Cycle paths were separated from pavements for pedestrians, pedestrian crossing points were installed, barriers to both cyclists and pedestrians were removed and accessibility for older people and those with reduced mobility was improved.

The new cycle path was inaugurated in June 2007 by the mayor of La Rochelle during National Bike Day. The launch was accompanied by information dissemination/promotion activities, including improved signage and the production of a cycle-lane map.

The new cycle lane forms part of the Eurovelo route 6 (Atlantic coast route from the North Cape in Norway to Sagres in Portugal).

Outcomes

In 2008, 98 percent of inhabitants living near the cycle path were aware of the facility (up by 70 percent from 2007), 56 percent of whom had already used it (up 29 percent).

Virtually all cycle path users (around 90 percent) stated that they were generally satisfied with the cycle path in terms of comfort, upkeep and safety.

In October 2007, 87 percent of interviewed cyclists said that they used the path on a regular basis (i.e. between one and three times a week).

Some 26 percent of respondents stated that they used the cycle path mainly for home-to-work or home-to-school travel and claimed that they changed their principal mode of travel after the cycle path was opened.