Environmental Elected Officials in Dijon Call for Improvement of Bike Plan to Foster Cycling Policy

Below, the press release from the elected EELV of Dijon metropolis:

During the last metropolitan council, the Assembly voted for a bicycle plan. The 11 abstentions testify to the shortcomings of the project even if its existence is to be welcomed. The EELV elected officials condemn the framework of the debate in the metropolitan council. Indeed, our right to political expression has been violated. The President of the EELV group was not able to present all the proposals aimed at improving and beefing up the cycling policy. His speech was cut off. This way of organizing the democratic debate, where political sensitivities have no say in the matter, weakens the capacity of our territory to offer all the conditions necessary for climate adaptation. Indeed, the climate and biodiversity challenge implies a general mobilization of all.

If we began our remarks by emphasizing by recalling that Dijon Métropole lost places with each survey carried out by cycling associations, it is obviously to insist on areas for progress and provide solutions. We reiterate that this cycling plan, beyond the intentions, must be accompanied by a multi-year investment budget which does not appear today. The 2 million announced orally by the President are quite insufficient in view of the delay of the Metropolis. Tours is investing 18 million euros, Rennes 10 million euros and Grenoble 5 million euros… A significant investment budget will thus make it possible to double the cycle network, to make it more attractive, continuous and meshed by targeting discontinuities as a priority. , crossings, entrances to built-up areas and black spots (Avenue Jean Jaurès, Rue d’Auxonne, etc.).

We also propose to build real partnerships with bicycle associations, particularly in the field of self-repair and school bicycles, to generalize the learning of bicycle mobility from school and to support the securing of the surroundings of educational establishments. Beyond children, support systems for cycling mobility for adults and people with disabilities must be taken care of. The development of social support measures (aid for the purchase of cycles not conditional on the existence of local aid, etc.) and the acquisition of bicycles with a high level of service (folding, cargo, cycle-mobiles), in addition to assistance for electrically assisted bicycles are essential measures to encourage people to travel by bicycle. Finally, the Métropole can contribute, within the framework of its economic competence, to the structuring of a local industrial bicycle sector. All these measures, and the expertise and citizen around the bike, must be heard by Dijon Métropole. We therefore call for extensive citizen consultation so that the bicycle plan is at the service of a real cycling metropolis from 2023.