Île-de-France Mobilités boosts bike parking ahead of 2024 Paris Olympics

Credit: Île-de-France Mobilités

In order to promote cycling and enhance inter-modality in the region, Île-de-France Mobilités has announced that it is set to increase bicycle parking near key Parisian stations, adding over 3,000 new spaces in the coming weeks. Currently, there are only about 100 spaces. This expansion aims to provide more transport options, particularly as the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games approach.

In 2020, Île-de-France Mobilités adopted a Master Plan for Bicycle Parking to develop parking facilities near train stations, with a goal of 140,000 places. Currently, 15,000 places are in service, with another 20,000 financed. Since early 2024, nearly 2,000 new spaces have been added across Île-de-France, including in both inner and greater suburbs.

By July 2024, six major Parisian stations will see significant increases in bicycle parking:

• Paris Austerlitz: 250 free access spaces in early June 2024
• Paris Montparnasse (Pasteur hall): 500 free access spaces for various bike types from 15 June 15 2024
• Paris Est (square): 340 renovated or new spaces, including for cargo bikes, by 15 June 
• Paris Nord: 1,186 secure spaces with additional amenities and 50 free access spaces by 15 June 
• Paris Saint-Lazare: 358 secure spaces and nearly 130 free access spaces by late June
• Paris Bercy: 120 free access spaces by early July 2024.

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These additions complement the 400 free access places already available at Paris Gare de Lyon.

The increased parking spaces are part of a broader initiative to boost cycling in Île-de-France. This includes:

• E-bike rental: Since 2019, a long-term rental service for electric bikes is available, with rental costs starting at €53.90 per month. For the Games, a “Véligo Location Flex” offer provides short-term rentals at similar rates
• Purchase assistance: Île-de-France Mobilités offers financial aid for purchasing various types of bikes, covering up to 50% of the bike’s cost, with maximum contributions ranging from €100 to €1,200 depending on the bike type.

This ambitious policy has already seen success, with the Véligo service surpassing 100,000 subscribers by 28 May 2024. These efforts aim to foster a sustainable shift towards cycling in the region.