It was a campaign promise from environmentalists in Lyon and in the metropolis: a Lyon-style “REV”. REV for Réseau Express Vélo, a dream come true. They are now called VL1, VL2, VL3… For Voies Lyonnaises. A fully secure network reserved for cyclists. A territorial “spider’s web” network. A project that is taking shape, work has begun.
They are coming soon!
It will be necessary to wait. Wait again, a little longer… But in 2026, Lyon cyclists will have their “bicycle highway”. A project carried by the environmentalist majority in the metropolis of Lyon. A project that is taking shape little by little in the Lyon landscape.
Here and there, work has begun for what should be a strong marker of the political action of the greens at the head of one of the largest metropolises in France.
On the leaflets during the municipal campaign, they were called “REV”, for Réseau Express Vélo. These express lines had to meet a strong demand for soft mobility, such as cycling. The mesh was already known, the lines already almost … drawn! And there was urgency! Some axes already in operation are saturated.
The entire metropolis of Lyon is concerned. 13 lines will finally see the light of day during this mandate. From line 1 to 13, work has begun. After line 1 and 3, here is line 2.
The Lyons route no. 2 will connect the conurbation from north to south, passing through major centers of attraction, such as Part-Dieu, Parc de la Tête d’Or or Parc Blandan. Its route will lead it to be one of the busiest axes within a few years.
Valentin Lungenstrass, deputy (EELV) for mobility – Métropole de Lyon
–
The VL2
This project of “Voie Lyonnaise” number 2, will link Saint-Priest to Fontaines sur Saône in 2026. A 21 km route in the long term. Studies point to more than 20,000 cyclists per day.
Today is the time to launch consultations. It is, for the moment, to realize 6 km of line. Amount of this first phase of work: 10 million euros. The president of the metropolis wishes to involve the Grands Lyonnais in major equipment decisions.
He, who has just suffered a failure with the abandonment of the cable car project (cable transport project in the west of Lyon, however hoped for by his majority), following consultations, knows well what it is!
We are building this network with the municipalities and the inhabitants to define and develop the routes that meet the needs of the citizens as effectively as possible. The consultation that is opening for the VL2 is an enlightening example of what, collectively, we are implementing for our territory. »
Bruno Bernard, President (EELV) of the Metropolis of Lyon
–
The consultation will cover a small part of the linear. A section of a few kilometers. A few kilometers located in the middle of the city… On the press kit, we see the main obstacle: “The VL2 will use the Vivier Merle tunnel instead of the left-hand traffic lane… in the long term, there will be as many cyclists as cars in the tunnel.” A choice assumed by the majority.
We take up space in the car. We are of course on a logic of sharing space. The Lyon routes are inserted on the main axes, where there is space
Fabien Bagnon, Vice-president (EELV) delegate for roads – Métropole de Lyon
–
Reserves :
The objective of this project, the final amount of which has not been communicated, is to “triple the number of bicycle trips by 2026” according to Fabien Bagnon. Elected environmentalists dream of a 250 km network across the metropolis, 13 lines organized in a “spider’s web” to allow connections between municipalities. All numbered with beacons, physical separations with cars, clean signage and as few intersections as possible.
Assets that some cyclists take with reserve, because for some: “a reserved cycle path means avoiding contact with cars and pedestrians, but you have to know how to use them. Speed can quickly become dangerous”.
The consultation for the development of the urban section of the VL2 starts for one month. The files, plans and explanations are available in the town halls concerned by the route.
–
