A new report by the French Federation of Bicycle Users (FUB), titled "Health in Motion: The Power of Walking and Cycling," highlights the significant health and societal benefits of active transportation. The report was compiled by a multidisciplinary group of seven experts, including a cardiologist, pediatrician, psychiatrist, economist, physiotherapist, and specialists in sustainable health. It reveals that physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of premature death worldwide, following hypertension, smoking, and diabetes. In France, 95% of adults are affected by some degree of physical inactivity. Among children and adolescents, cardiovascular fitness has declined by about 25% over 30 years, and only 37% of their trips are made by walking or cycling. The report criticizes current prevention policies, arguing that past governments have focused on individual behavior change with slogans like "move more" and "eat better," without redesigning cities to make such behaviors easier. This approach has had limited success and may have worsened social inequalities. The report notes that cycling 100 minutes per week can reduce all-cause mortality by 10%, while regular cycling is linked to 40% fewer cardiovascular diseases and 20% fewer cases of type 2 diabetes. Despite these benefits, cycling in France accounts for only 3% of all trips, even though it saved 1,919 premature deaths and prevented 5,963 chronic diseases in 2019, according to a 2024 study. Mental health benefits are also emphasized. About 69% of people who regularly engage in physical activity report improved well-being and reduced stress. Active travel, such as walking or cycling to school, is linked to better academic performance in youth. Among those aged 18-34, 35% believe their daily travel affects their mental health. Anne Sénéquier, a psychiatrist on the expert committee, explains that cycling helps reduce stress, regulate sleep patterns, and help individuals feel more connected to their environment, enhancing cognitive clarity and balance. Economically, the report shows that each kilometer traveled by bicycle saves about one euro in social costs. In 2019, cycling saved 191 million euros in direct medical costs and 4.8 billion euros in overall health-related expenses. Sedentariness costs French society around 17 billion euros annually. If 25% of short car trips were replaced by cycling, 1,800 additional deaths could be avoided each year, and society could save 2.6 billion euros annually. Philippe Quirion, an economist at CNRS, argues that it is "hardly understandable not to invest more in promoting health and particularly in cycling" in times of tight budgets. The report notes that transportation choices are influenced by both personal factors—like distance, physical condition, and equipment—and collective factors such as urban design and social norms. Without proper infrastructure and a cultural shift to see cycling as normal and safe, the practice is hindered, especially in certain neighborhoods. About 15 million people in France face mobility challenges, lacking access to cars, public transport, or bicycles. Christine Magendie, a pediatrician, emphasizes that childhood and adolescence are crucial for developing a love of movement, and active travel can help combat sedentariness while creating more space for nature and play in cities. The report was released amid challenges to the French Bicycle Plan, launched in 2023 with a budget of 250 million euros annually. However, funding has been reduced, with less than one-fifth of the promised support from the government in 2025. The 2023-2027 Bicycle Plan aimed for 1.25 billion euros in state investment over five years, but 2024 budgets have been cut, and 2026 plans face further reductions. The FUB presents the report as a guide for future government action, arguing that investing in cycling can lead to savings in healthcare costs. Laura Schultz, a physiotherapist and co-author, notes that while elected officials may not directly see benefits, public health services would benefit from reduced demand. The federation calls for a national strategy on "Health and Active Mobility," led by multiple ministries, as 64% of respondents in a 2025 survey found cycling conditions unsatisfactory.