Toulouse is experimenting with a secure bicycle garage
Since the Covid crisis, the use of bicycles in the city has clearly changed gear. And the increase in fuel prices should not slow down the momentum. Undoubtedly aware of this reality, the mayor of Toulouse has long insisted, in this new school year, on his desire to make an effort to facilitate the use of bicycles in a city where criticism from users and associations promoting cycling are numerous. .
In addition to announcements concerning the creation of new cycle paths, consultation on the Express Vélo Network and the extension of self-service bicycles, Toulouse Métropole took into account, a fortnight ago, secure bicycle parking. This experiment, carried out within the framework of a program of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), aims to limit thefts, while the models, more and more sophisticated, are always more expensive.
“We are carrying out tests in two European cities, Toulouse and Milan, which are partners of our organisation”, explains Alice Lunardon, the originator of the sustainable mobility program at the EIT. “We asked about their mobility needs. Toulouse Métropole wishes to develop intermodality as part of its future third metro line, and this involves micromobility and cycling. »
A free test for the city
This is why this blue container, made up of 24 bicycle spaces, was installed free of charge by the EIT in Toulouse. It is supplemented by individual lockers for cargo bikes and free charging stations, powered by solar energy, for bicycles and electric scooters.
The use is done using a mobile application and the garage is accessible at the rate of 4 euros per month. “This parking lot is currently located at the Marengo metro exit, near the Media Library and the Matabiau station, but we are going to have to move it due to work. The objective is to conduct a test over twelve months and see its impact,” says Alice Lunardon.
A report must then be submitted to Toulouse Métropole so that the community can position itself on a future purchase and deployment in the city.