On Sunday, June 3rd at 9:30 AM, the starting signal for the 11th edition of “Everyone on Bikes!” will be given at the Théâtre de Verdure in Nice. This national event, much to the delight of cyclists, aims to raise awareness and unite the people of Nice around the ecological and ideal means of transportation for short distances. In order for the pedaling to resound, Alain Sanz, Deputy Mayor, and Jean-Michel Clausse, president of VIVA06, invite cyclists to ride for free in the streets of Nice where, for the rest of the year, bicycles are not celebrated.
Alain Sanz, Deputy Mayor in charge of regional planning and transport, and Jean-Michel Clausse, president of the VIVA06 association, presented to the press yesterday the route for the 11th edition of “Everyone on Bikes!” This 8.5 km route, without major difficulties, will take you through Nice and its new landscape, altered by the arrival of the tram. From the Théâtre de Verdure, you will pass by the port of Nice, then head north up to Place Saint Roch, returning towards Tête au Carré, to finish about 1h30 later on Rue de la Buffa. Families and novices will traverse the Nice asphalt with ease because, as Alain Sanz confirms, Nice is not just hills; a major portion of Nice is on flat terrain. But besides the minimal difficulty, cyclists will take their time safely thanks to the intervention of the Municipal Police who will oversee this event. In 2006, 2000 people pedaled through the streets of Nice. This edition will surely be larger, even if the desire to promote tramway construction will certainly curb all cyclists who wanted to enjoy the landscape. The city council is proud of its tramway and seizes every opportunity to showcase it, even though it’s not yet operating on our roads.
Urban cycling, ecological, cost-effective, and perfect for short distances… yet shunned by the people of Nice.
Urban cycling, embraced by the French, is an effective alternative during peak hours and for short trips. Under these circumstances, one might think cycling has no advantages over driving! However, we find that more than half of car trips are less than 3 kilometers. Moreover, the majority of residents travel to and from work. Thus, the conclusion is clear. If a driver swaps their steering wheel for handlebars to commute to work within a 3-kilometer radius, twice a day like the majority of citizens, they will arrive well ahead of others and will reduce their vehicle maintenance costs by four times. A bicycle costs €0.10 per kilometer. How much does a tank of gas and an oil change cost for your magnificent car?
Based on these findings, the VIVA06 association, founded in 2001, aims to bring together, associate, and represent cyclists, whether they are sports enthusiasts, beginners, or avid users. The city of Nice, a poor student in promoting cycling transportation, has much to learn from its sisters like Lyon, Marseille, or Amsterdam! So, Sunday’s event has a dual objective: to roam in a friendly atmosphere, access places usually restricted, and gather as many participants as possible, to show municipal administrations the need to invest in infrastructure conducive to “velocipedes.” Because, while cycling lanes do exist in Nice, they are mostly reserved for Sunday leisure. Fortunately, thanks to the mobilization of cyclists, new arrangements are emerging. The bike lane on Promenade des Anglais now extends to the airport. A bike path will be set up on Route de Grenoble, on Avenue des Diables Bleus, etc. But before these developments, the city of Nice and the VIVA06 association, along with its partners (Ligne d’Azur, Semiacs, Vinci…), will also set up a village dedicated to cycling. The Music Kiosk at the start of the hike, Place Albert 1er, will welcome visitors for a free technical inspection, just like the hike itself. So, get on your bikes and enjoy the ride!
For more information, visit:
– [www.feteduvelo2007.com](https://www.feteduvelo2007.com)
