LYON, January 22 – Eleven user associations in the Lyon Metropolis presented a citizen action plan on Wednesday, January 21, to enhance and develop active transportation methods. This detailed technical and political document is specifically designed for future candidates in the 2026 municipal and metropolitan elections, outlining a strategic vision for urban mobility.
A Comprehensive Plan for Active Mobility
Representatives from groups such as La Ville à Vélo, Maison du Vélo, and CLAVette gathered in the 6th arrondissement of Lyon to unveil approximately 50 concrete proposals. This initiative, supported by 8,000 members and 145 businesses, comes at a time of significant growth in bicycle usage, with a reported 70% increase in ridership between 2019 and 2024, according to associative data.
Ambitious Goals for 2032
The primary objective of the plan is to achieve a target of 60% of all daily trips being made by foot or bicycle by 2032, a substantial increase from the current figure of less than 50%. To realize this goal, the collective is advocating for the creation of an additional 100 kilometers of cycling paths, which would complement the existing network of Voies Lyonnaises. Furthermore, the plan calls for the establishment of pedestrian main arteries in every municipality and arrondissement within the metropolis.
A particular emphasis is placed on developing infrastructure in the peripheral areas, specifically the first and second rings of the metropolis. These areas are identified as critically lacking in both active mobility infrastructure and secure parking facilities, which the associations deem essential for wider adoption of cycling and walking.
Education and Maintenance: Key Pillars of the Plan
The pedagogical aspect of the program is central to its success. The associations propose to increase the number of people trained in cycling from 2,000 in 2025 to 5,000 annually. Françoise Chevalier, co-president of Maison du Vélo, stressed the importance of establishing a practice area in each metropolitan district to bolster road safety. In terms of maintenance, the citizen plan advocates for a significant increase in the budget allocated to repair workshops, from 150,000 to 250,000 euros, to facilitate their establishment in priority neighborhoods.
“We are setting a clear objective: by 2032, walking and cycling must become the majority modes of daily transport in the Lyon metropolis. We affirm the fundamental right of everyone to travel safely on foot and by bike,” stated a post on the Facebook page of the La Ville à Vélo association.
Safety and User Coexistence
Another critical component of the document addresses safety and the harmonious coexistence of different road users. The signatories are calling for the widespread implementation of a 30 km/h speed limit across the entire metropolitan area and increased enforcement in accident-prone zones. Mélodie Cros-Ferréol, co-president of La Ville à Vélo, confirmed that the booklet would be distributed to various candidates to inform upcoming electoral debates, emphasizing that the associations will closely monitor political programs regarding mobility.
The plan highlights that the rapid expansion of active transport requires not only infrastructure but also a cultural shift towards shared public spaces. The associations believe that by prioritizing these measures, Lyon can become a leading example of sustainable urban mobility.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Elections
The initiative serves as a direct challenge to political leaders, urging them to integrate these proposals into their electoral platforms. The associations are committed to engaging with all candidates to ensure that the needs of cyclists and pedestrians are adequately addressed in future urban planning and policy decisions.
The 2026 municipal and metropolitan elections are expected to be a pivotal moment for mobility policies in Lyon, with active transport advocates pushing for significant changes to the city’s infrastructure and regulatory framework.
The detailed proposals and data supporting the plan will be made available to the public and political stakeholders in the coming weeks, fostering a broader discussion on the future of mobility in the Lyon Metropolis.
