Popular in Scandinavian countries, the use of bicycles dedicated to transport in urban areas is on the rise in France, which is pushing local authorities to take support measures that are eagerly awaited by users.

There are no overall statistics on this booming market, but the indices on the ground are consistent.

"11 years ago, I only sold them to enthusiasts. But for the past few years, it's been +30% in sales per year", explains Alexandre Karsenty, manager of the independent Lyon Cycle Chic store.

The national network of Cyclable shops is recording the same enthusiasm - 1,200 sales in 2018, 3,400 in 2021 -, the Decathlon brand is preparing the release of a model.

The trend also benefits the small Saint-Etienne manufacturer Kiffy, a specialist in longtail (for "long tail"), these bikes equipped with an elongated luggage rack that can carry two or three children, less bulky than the cargo with box in the front.

Awareness

“The Covid pandemic, the various purchasing aids and the awareness of consuming differently explain this explosion”, according to Thibaud Vignali, commercial director of this SME with 10 employees claiming 80% production made in France.

Transporting children is undoubtedly the gateway to cargo, which is almost exclusively electrically assisted.

“When parents take 30 minutes to cover 3 km and end up parking in triple line + hastily + and they see those in cargo ships arriving right in front of the school …”, smiles Mr. Karsenty.

"And for the children, it's adventure every day!", Abounds Pauline Jan.

A man transports his children in the front dumpster of his cargo bike, March 23, 2022 in Lyon JEFF PACHOUD AFP

The Colin-Jousse family took a definitive step with the arrival of their third child: the car, which had not been used since a family visit to the Lot, was put away, in favor of a second freighter.

"In the conurbation, 90% of the time by car is restrictive, between parking and travel. The initial investment is high (6,000 EUR for the first bike), but we find ourselves there largely given the costs linked to the car ... Especially since with a third child, it would have been necessary to buy a more expensive 7-seater", explains Erwan Colin, 37, an IT executive in Lyon.

The bicycle loading capacity "equivalent to a car trunk", long journeys are now made "by train".

"Amazed" by the rise of family use, Nicolas Frasie, of the association La ville à vélo, nevertheless sees a downside: parking.

The wheelbase and the high cost of the machines militate for secure locations.

"People don't buy a bike but a vehicle!", insists Mr. Karsenty, recalling that a quality cargo ship costs 4 to 6,000 euros.

Local authorities are gradually responding to new needs, like the EELV metropolis of Lyon, which welcomes "the extension of the use of bicycles to the family area via cargo" according to its vice-president for mobility Fabien Bagnon.

Bicycle rental offers will be extended, places dedicated to two-wheeled carriers are provided in each new car park.

The mixed economy company Lyon Parc Auto has also reserved 10 spaces in its car parks since 2021 and is opening its car-sharing service.

Conversion

The Federation of Bicycle Users (FUB) is involved with a series of dedicated secure parking aids, particularly in condominiums and businesses.

So many devices benefiting professionals, while delivery people and craftsmen are gradually converting.

A man installs his children in the front dumpster of his cargo bike, March 23, 2022 in Lyon JEFF PACHOUD AFP

The association "The bike boxes" has thus grown from 150 to 300 members in a year and a half, organizes training and "is regularly requested by the chambers of trade", explains Caroline Faucon, administrator.

She herself created "Baguette à vélo" in Lyon to deliver breakfasts.

The rise in fuel prices and the establishment of low-emission zones in metropolitan areas contribute to the development of this "pro" use.

At the risk, sometimes, of generating traffic jams on the cycle paths at rush hour.

© 2022 AFP