As France gears up for countrywide municipal and mayoral elections on 22 March, sustainable development and cycling find themselves at the centre of political campaigns. This is certainly the case in ICLEI Member Bordeaux (France).

With an annual population growth rate of nearly two per cent and traffic problems to solve, cycling has become a hot topic on the campaign trail. Plus, a mild climate and flat topography mean that there is vast potential for Bordeaux to experience a biking boom.

This is something that candidates from across the political spectrum in Bordeaux Metropole’s 28 municipalities are hoping to draw on by making strong commitments to promote cycling. Over 20 candidates have so far signed a manifesto produced by Vélo-Cité, the main local NGO advocating for cycling in Bordeaux.

By signing the document, potential political representatives signal their intent to undertake an ambitious programme of infrastructure development, new bike parking solutions, and other services for cyclists.

Bordeaux Metropole and Vélo-Cité have a long working relationship. Bordeaux Metropole subsidises the NGO, and consults it on all infrastructure projects. Vélo-Cité also provides proposals to Bordeaux Metropole and conveys the requests and opinions of cyclists to the local authority.

In 2020, as part of its work in the CIVITAS Handshake project, for which ICLEI Europe is a partner, Bordeaux will elaborate its third Cycling Plan – this process will involve close collaboration with Vélo-Cité. This and other measures will help Bordeaux on its journey to become a “Cycling Capital”.

Beyond elaborating its Plan, Bordeaux Metropole is working on developing higher capacity bike parking facilities, on filling in the gaps in its cycling network, and on developing economic appraisal techniques to assess its cycling policy.

Learn more about the city's work in CIVITAS Handshake here.