Baromètre des villes cyclables : The TOP cities in France

To begin with, let's talk a little about FUB, our beloved Fédération des Usagers de la Bicyclette. These two-wheeled enthusiasts, grouping no fewer than 468 associations (yes, yes, you read that right! 🤓), are on all fronts. Their mission? To provide answers to cyclists' concerns and promote, through communication campaigns and consultations, the use of bicycles as THE mode of daily travel. Frankly, we love them for it! ❤️ And how does this barometer work in real life? Well, every two years, FUB launches a major survey. And when we say big, we're not kidding: for the 2021 edition, over 275,000 people gave their opinion! And that's just the beginning! 👏  Participants, whether seasoned cyclists or novices, express their feelings on a 6-point scale. They talk about everything: - 🔐 feeling safe, - 🚴‍♂️ travel comfort, - 🛣️ quality of cycling infrastructure, - 🅿️ ease of parking (because we don't want to hang up our precious bike just anywhere, do we?), - 🚉 use of bikes on public transport, - 📣 and even on public policies to promote cycling. <br/> The aim? To provide local authorities with a kind of "report card" on whether or not their territory is bike-friendly. And, above all, to give them avenues for improvement so that, no matter where you live in France, you can **enjoy cycling in complete safety**. 🥳

So, which local authorities have pulled out all the stops for their residents, and in particular for cyclists? **And who took the top prize in the coveted** awards? We'll tell you all about it! 🚴‍♀️ ### Big cities: From avenues to back alleys, bicycles sparkle! 🌆 If we're talking about big cities, where the cycling network stretches to infinity and the inhabitants are true two-wheeled aficionados (or not precisely 😅), some names shine brighter than others. Top of the top, **Grenoble** takes first place on the podium. Closely followed by **Strasbourg** and **Rennes**. And let's not forget [Annecy](<https://www.lokki.rent/media/10-lieux-incontournables-annecy>)? With its magnificent lake and dedicated lanes, the little pearl of the Alps does wonders for its cyclists. 🏞️  ### Medium-sized towns: Between parks and squares, the bicycle finds its place! 🏡 In the category of medium-sized towns, some clearly stand out in terms of services and infrastructure for bicycles. At the head of the line, **La Rochelle** stands out with its harbor atmosphere and top-notch cycling routes. **Bourg-en-Bresse**, a real surprise (for me at least 😅 ), comes in second, closely followed by **Chambéry**, where every trip by bike is pure bliss. ### Villages et bourgs : Entre clochers et rivières, la bicyclette en lumière ! 🍃 And for our charming villages and towns, where the climate is often conducive to leisurely strolls, some stand out for their commitment to cycling. **Saint-Jean-de-Monts**, with its sea air, **Val-de-Reuil and Marseillan** have met respondents' expectations in terms of infrastructure and safety. These little corners of paradise are perfect for those looking to get away from the big cities, while pedaling. 🌳 Wondering where your commune ranks? Put an end to the suspense and visit [, the portal of the Barometer of Cycling Cities](<https://barometre.parlons-velo.fr/>).

In some cities, the future of cycling seems to have already begun! Innovation is in full swing, and new initiatives are springing up far beyond the usual cycle paths. For all cycling addicts, a new era of urban adventure is upon us. Get ready, it's going to be hair-raising! 🌠 ### Intelligent bike paths 🛣️ No more basic bike paths! The future is all about trails that adapt to weather conditions, light up at night and can even signal upcoming obstacles. Imagine you're riding downtown, and your path guides you with LED lights to ensure a safe route. Magical, no? ✨ ### Solar charging stations for electric bikes ☀️⚡ With the growing popularity of electric bikes, cities are considering solar-powered charging stations. Practical, eco-friendly and above all economical, these stations could be the norm in a few years' time. So, ready to recharge while taking a break in the park? 🌳 ### Innovative bike parks 🚴🅿️ Say goodbye to old bike racks! Today, we're thinking: automatic underground parking facilities, advanced locking systems and even dedicated spaces with video surveillance to guarantee the safety of your two-wheeler. At the center of these facilities, your bike will be treated like a real star. 🌟 ### Bikes and public transport 🚲🚉  The integration of bicycles into public transport is booming. Dedicated carriages on trains, specific spaces on buses, and even preferential fares for cyclists combining bike and public transport. The plan? Make your daily commute even smoother! ⌛ ### Digital apps and tools 📱 Digital fully embraces the world of cycling. Apps to find the best route, to find out about trail conditions in real time, or to share experiences with other cyclists. The results are in: more efficiency, more sharing and, above all, more fun! 🎉 ### Awareness-raising and training 💬 For bike culture to spread, we need to educate and raise awareness with, for example: - 🔧 workshops to learn how to repair your bike, - 🚴‍♂️ driving sessions for novices, - 📅 or even theme days to promote cycling in the city. <br/> And whether it's the bustling streets of Paris, the peaceful banks of the Marne or the picturesque paths of the Île de Noirmoutier, your feedback and suggestions make all the difference. So get on your bikes and let's turn France into a giant two-wheeled dance floor! 🚲💃🥳