Synopsis
The Municipality of Rennes introduced a first Cycling Master Plan in the period 1975-1984 while working on a new Traffic Plan. At that time, cycle tracks were to be found on peripheral boulevards essentially, where space requirements could be met, as well as in new development areas. This raised a number of problems linked to the cost of the infrastructure, the lack of continuity and a rather complicated integration of cycle tracks at junctions.
A new Master Plan was launched in 1984 but failed to come into force due to its high cost, problems with local residents and because it would have entailed a significant increase in trip length for cyclists. The Master Plan indeed aimed at promoting cycling in residential streets parallel to major traffic roads and creating cycle ways dedicated to cyclists.
In 1990, the network had only 29 km of cycle paths or tracks. Cycling was not safe: 50% of those severely injured in road accidents and 68% of casualties were cyclists. Typically, accidents occurred on heavy traffic roads with a narrow carriageway. This safety problem was clearly reflected in the household surveys that were conducted in 1979 and 1991 respectively, the share of cycling dropping from 11 to 4.5% over the period.
The Urban Area and the Municipality launched a general review process as soon as 1990 and started working on a new Urban Mobility Plan. The objective was to promote alternative modes of transport - including cycling - by integrating the overall cycle route scheme, public transport and walking into the new Urban Mobility Plan.
Think tanks aimed at promoting public acceptance of the city's development projects were set up, including a think tank and information group on cycling in 1991. The group was composed of representatives of community organisations, bicycle professionals and traders, as well as representatives from the city's public transport company, city police force, local committees, etc. The group meets three to four times a year under the chairmanship of the Elected Representative in charge of traffic and highways. These meetings provide an opportunity to exchange views on the main development projects, potential improvements to the existing network and events to promote cycling.
A number of on-street facilities were introduced.
More recently, the municipality has set up a free rent-a-bike service as part of its "cycle plan". The 200 bikes made available to the public meet specific requirements in terms of:
The scheme was launched in June 1998 as a two-year experiment. It became fully operational in September of the same year and was renewed at the end of the two-year experimental period.
Target groups: youth / students - all citizens
Fields: cycling
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