The whole delegation experiencing the qualitative cycling infrastructure of Copenhagen.
Ⓒ Copenhagenize France
Last week Copenhagenize France, led by Clotilde Imbert, welcomed a delegation of politicians, mobility experts and representatives of an association from Montpellier, France to the Danish capital city. Mayor Saurel, accompanied by elected members of his party, transport planners and members of Vélocité, a cyclist’s association demanding better infrastructure, travelled to Copenhagen to learn more about cycling infrastructure and policies, and experience how intuitive and enjoyable cycling is in the world’s most cycling-friendly city. The delegation was unique in its constitution as it gathered members from both public entities and associations, which shows the commitment and determination of all actors of the development of cycling infrastructure in Montpellier.
Mayor Saurel made newspapers headlines a year ago when he declared on local television that building cycling infrastructure for only a couple of bicycle users was not worth it. A few days later, hundreds of cycling enthusiasts gathered on the streets of Montpellier to demonstrate the need for safer cycling conditions in the city. The association, Vélocité, was key in amplifying this movement by creating a slogan, a logo and a dedicated website. The phenomenon became viral on social media and the hashtag #JeSuisUnDesDeux (I Am One Of The Two) is now the symbol of the movement. Due to the massive mobilisation following his statement on TV, Mayor Saurel reconsidered his position and gained interest in cycling as a means of transport. Since then, the transport department of the municipality of Montpellier have operated a complete change of mentality towards the use of bicycles, and Mayor Saurel and his team were eager to visit Copenhagen to be inspired by best practices.
Director of Copenhagenize France, Clotilde Imbert is used to saying that the start of a bicycle-friendly city is the meeting between the demand of the inhabitants and the understanding of this demand by the elected officials. The political will that follows to implement the necessary changes in favour of bicycle users is then enhanced and the process of redesigning the streets can begin.
Copenhagenize France witnessed a promising dynamic between the participants during the study trip. Indeed, after engaging in a constructive debate on the subject, all members of the study tour concluded that the City of Montpellier has significant potential in terms of its bikeability. In addition to benefiting from a Mediterranean climate and a relatively flat city, last year’s phenomenon has shown decision-makers of Montpellier that citizens want a change in transport options. Therefore, urban cycling must be one of their top priorities to shape the sustainable city of tomorrow. Mayor Saurel has announced the creation of a carbon-neutral plan for the city of Montpellier and a significant increase in infrastructure investment in favour of bicycle users.
Next year’s municipal election candidates will hopefully learn from this bottom-up phenomenon and incorporate a mobility strategy in favour of what city dwellers want: a safe, enjoyable and active city.
Copenhagenize France team and Copenhagenize Design Co. CEO, Morten Kabell, welcoming a French delegation in Nordhavn, Copenhagen. Ⓒ Copenhagenize France