World Bicycle Day

Journée Internationale de la Bicyclette

The third World Bicycle Day is taking place today, 3 June. Initiated by the UN on 23 April 2018, it aims to encourage UN member States to give cycling a special place in development policies and programmes and improve road safety.

It also invites each of us to favour the use of bicycles as an ecological and sustainable means of transport that can have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions caused by human activities and thus improve air quality.

The Principality is encouraging cycling by developing routes where cyclists can ride safely.  Although bus lanes constitute the largest network of linear routes, because of the small size of the territory, new cycle paths are being studied. The cycle path in the new Larvotto seaside complex will be opened in July 2021 and another in the new offshore urban extension will open in 2025.

In addition to these initiatives, the Principality has made a fleet of 390 self-service Monabike bicycles available to the public, with 600 parking spaces in 42 stations throughout the territory. A new station, to be installed in front of the Lycée Albert 1er, is due to be added next autumn.  http://www.monabike.mc/ .

Monapass, the Principality's new all-in-one mobility app, can also be used for the Monabike bicycles and real-time mapping of station occupancy. It is aimed at users of Monegasque transport - bus, parking and electric bikes – and can be downloaded free of charge from the Android or Apple stores.

This is also an opportunity to recall that individuals, as well as companies and associations, can benefit from the subsidy scheme for the purchase of electrically-assisted bicycles offered by the Government for ecological vehicles. The subsidy for bicycles amounts to EUR 700 until 30 June 2021, and EUR 400 after that date.

Finally, for many years, the Department of the Environment has been organising the "Sunday by Bike" event, the next of which is scheduled for Sunday 8 August 2021 on Port Hercule. The aim of this enjoyable event – which is suitable for all ages - is to encourage people to reclaim an area that is usually occupied by cars.