France is shifting its cycling ambitions into high gear. Backed by a national strategy and significant investment, the country aims to nearly double domestic bicycle production and firmly establish cycling as a central part of daily life.
This push is part of France’s existing 2023-2027 Bicycle and Mobility Plan, which unlocked €2 billion to develop cycling infrastructure and local production. The goal is clear: to reclaim a stronger position in a market it once dominated.
Decades ago, French manufacturers supplied nearly all the bicycles sold nationally. However, the landscape shifted with the rise of more affordable imports, which significantly weakened local production. Now, France sells about 2.2 million bicycles annually—more than double the number of passenger cars. Yet, only around 700,000 of those bikes are made on home soil.
While the overall market saw a dip in sales last year, the long-term trend remains positive. Since 2019, industry revenue has grown by an impressive 33%, largely driven by the sustained popularity of road and gravel bikes. E-bikes are also gaining traction, accounting for nearly a third of the market, though their electronic components often originate from outside Europe.
A standout trend is the remarkable boom in bicycle repairs. The French are now fixing three times as many bikes as they are buying new ones. A state-supported repair fund helps keep this sector vibrant, underlining a cultural shift toward maintaining and valuing bicycles for the long term.
Infrastructure is a cornerstone of the national plan. France currently has about 57,000 kilometers of safe bike paths. The government aims to expand this network to 80,000 kilometers by 2027 and 100,000 kilometers by 2030. Alongside this, a major initiative will train up to 850,000 children annually in safe cycling.
To tackle the persistent issue of bicycle theft, France is rolling out a national bike registration system and plans to increase secure parking facilities near train stations from 30,000 to 90,000 spaces by 2027.
This comprehensive strategy is also a jobs program. The bicycle industry currently provides 50,000 direct jobs in France, a number the government intends to triple by 2050.
From local production and infrastructure to youth training and employment, France is building a robust framework for a future where the bicycle plays a leading role in sustainable mobility.
