The Bike Industry in Lyon: From Heritage to Innovation

Gérard Collomb’s Visionary Legacy

Today, Lyon is a pioneering city in active mobility thanks to the legacy left by Gérard Collomb. During his terms in office, he launched the first bike-sharing service, Vélo'v, as early as 2005, well before other major cities such as Paris. This flagship project was part of a broader vision of urban transformation aimed at making the city greener and more accessible. Under his leadership, Lyon saw significant urban redevelopment and the growth of sustainable mobility. Collomb laid the foundations for what would become a real revolution in the way people get around the city, with an emphasis on green, practical solutions for residents.

Current Initiatives: Towards Sustainable Mobility

Building on this momentum, the Métropole de Lyon is rolling out ambitious initiatives to strengthen and diversify the bike industry. Today, 96% of this industry is made up of micro, small and medium-sized businesses, bringing together 189 companies, 65% of which work exclusively on bikes. The industry generates revenue of between €180 million and €220 million and employs around 930 people.

Ambitious Goals

The Métropole de Lyon is pursuing three main goals:

1. Becoming France’s economic capital of the bike: by strengthening the local economic fabric dedicated to bikes.
2. Reinventing the local bike manufacturing industry: by stimulating innovation and encouraging collaboration between companies.
3. Opening the first collaborative flagship hub for the bike industry in France: a space dedicated to cooperation and innovation in the bike sector.

Key Initiatives

1. L'Usine à Vélo: Planned for summer 2022 in Villeurbanne, this assembly cooperative aims to centralize local know-how and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. The project brings together eight partners, mainly SMEs from Lyon.
2. Indulo: An industrial outreach program funded by the Métropole de Lyon that lets people discover industrial trades through an immersive mini factory making bike pedals. The goal is to reconnect citizens with local industry.
3. CARA Active Mobility: A network backed by the Métropole de Lyon with more than 160 members. It promotes active and sustainable mobility solutions.

Conclusion

The vision launched by Gérard Collomb is taking shape today through innovative projects that put Lyon at the forefront of sustainable mobility in France. The city keeps developing a robust and diverse bike industry, creating an environment that supports economic growth and a better quality of life for its residents.

For more information about the bike industry in Lyon, visit the official website À vélo dans la Métropole de Lyon.

To read a detailed article on Gérard Collomb’s achievements, check out this article.

Author: Marie

July 9, 2024