10,000 youngsters in Lyon will ride bicycles for free

The French city wants to open sustainable transport to everybody, regardless of their means

Lyon is making available 10,000 shared bicycles for free to be used by 10,000 young people. From November, the French metropolis is launching a new service called Free Vélo’v, aiming to increase the number of sustainable transport rides, in particular among its young residents. As part of it, students who meet certain criteria will benefit from up to one year of free bicycle rent.

Free bicycles – protecting youngsters’ budgets, while helping the environment

For over a year, the Metropolis of Lyon has been implementing a determined policy to reduce traffic-related pollution on its territory. One way to do this is by encouraging sustainable modes of transport that at the same time reduce noise and improve the living environment of the inhabitants. However, young people who usually live on limited financial means do not always have the possibility to purchase their own bikes.

That is why the metropolitan council voted for the Free Vélo’v bicycle loan service in March. It now accepts applications and starts from 8 November 2021. The service is intended for socially disadvantaged young adults aged 18 to 25 living in the territory of the Metropolis of Lyon.

Youngsters need to apply and reserve a bike in advance, which they will be able to ride rent-free for 3 to 12 months. The bikes are used but reconditioned, which extends their lifetime and prevents them from going to the trash. This way, the action is not only solidary but environmentally friendly in several ways.

Moreover, apart from being comfortable and safe, the bike is furnished with main safety gear and is marked to protect it against theft. This way, the user can safely move around the city without fear that the bike would disappear during a short stop. The student, on the other hand, is responsible for the bike’s maintenance for the period of use.