Cycling growth in France

Cycling practice in France increased by 18 percent over the course of a year, with a particularly notable rise in rural areas, where it increased by 24 percent. The data was published on October 15 by the Cycling and Walking Network, which analyzed information collected by 319 sensors detecting passes across France.

Rural areas see higher growth

In rural areas, the increase in cycling was even more pronounced at 24 percent compared to September 2025. The data suggests that factors such as an extended summer, rising fuel prices, and increased ecological awareness may have contributed to this growth, especially as the school year began in September.

September conditions favored cycling

The month of September was particularly favorable for cycling, with the start of the school year coinciding with a period of planetary alignment considered favorable for cycling. This period was influenced by an extended summer, combined with record increases in fuel prices and a heightened ecological awareness following a disastrous summer.

Historical heatwaves may have shifted activity

The Cycling and Walking Network suggests that historical heatwaves may have shifted part of the tourist activity to the month of September. However, the numbers are also inflated by the comparison with a particularly rainy September 2025, which likely reduced cycling activity at that time.

August saw a decline in cycling

In contrast, the month of August experienced a decrease in cycling practice. Despite this, the long-term trend remains upward, with a 5 percent increase over the first nine months of 2026 and a 40 percent increase between 2019 and 2025, according to the Cycling and Walking Network.