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This city at the gates of Paris offers 1000 free bikes!

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The Editor

© Jagoda Bartus / Le Bonbon

As the capital is just recovering from an intense heatwave, the importance of soft mobility is coming back to the forefront as a clear necessity. So much so that the city of Saint-Denis has decided to offer a few hundred bicycles for free to some of its residents.

If you regularly read our articles, you’ve probably figured out that we are 100% in favor of biking. However, with the prices of self-service platforms and the cost of an electric bike, it can sometimes be tricky to gear up without selling a kidney. So, to encourage people to hop on bikes, this bordering city of the capital has a pretty neat solution: giving bikes away for free.


A promise is a promise

This was one of their commitments during the municipal campaign, and it seems that Saint-Denis Mayor, Bally Bagayoko, is determined to keep it. The measure was voted on Thursday, June 25 during the city council: starting this fall, the LFI mayor will distribute no less than 1000 bikes for free in the city. But be careful, only certain residents will be eligible.

worried about this exceptional measure.

In practice, those who can claim their little queen are 15-year-olds or those in the 3rd grade from the city. Once their application is approved, they will receive a perfect cyclist kit, which includes a bike, of course, but also a helmet (safety is always a priority!) and a lock (though we recommend they try to get 2 or 3 more just to be safe). All of this has a total value of no less than 300€.


A first step towards greener transport

To apply, teenagers will need to fill out a file at the family desk of the town hall, proving their identity and address. The form should be available in the coming days. This is a move that deserves a round of applause, as it helps to develop the independence of these young residents, as well as promote...To see more eco-friendly ways of getting around. However, some emphasize the importance of thinking about the next step, particularly the development of a better network of bike paths in the city.