French Cities Pedal Towards Global Cycling Leadership: Nantes and Angers Lead the Way
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Western European cities are rapidly transforming into havens for cyclists, with French metropolises Nantes and Angers at the forefront of this movement. Nantes recently secured the 10th position globally in the Copenhagenize Index, a prestigious ranking of cycling-friendly cities, trailing behind leaders Utrecht, Copenhagen, and Ghent. Within France, Nantes ranks third, bested only by Paris and Bordeaux.
Nantes: A Model for Integrated Cycling Infrastructure
The Copenhagenize Index, established in 2011 by the Danish urban planning firm Copenhagenize, assesses cities based on the comfort and safety of cycling. Nantes’ rise in the rankings is attributed to “the development of new legible and secure cycle routes and by the connection between cycling and other modes of travel,” according to a statement from city officials.
This commitment is evident in the city’s extensive infrastructure. By 2025, Nantes will boast 819 km of dedicated cycling facilities, with plans to add another 220 km of “main cycle routes” by 2026. The city has also seamlessly integrated cycling into its broader transportation network, offering a fleet of 1,230 self-service bicycles and 3,600 medium- and long-term rental bicycles. Furthermore, Nantes provides 30,000 bicycle parking spaces, including a secure park at Gare Sud station accommodating over 1,200 bikes.
The Naolib transport offer, encompassing Nantes’ bus and tram network, now includes convenient bicycle rental options, and multimodal exchange centers like Gare Sud facilitate easy transitions between different modes of transportation.
Angers Honored for Innovative Cycle Network Design
AngersLoire Métropole is also gaining recognition for its dedication to cycling. On December 9, the city was awarded the Intermodality Prize at the 34th edition of the Mobility Awards, organized by Ville, Rail & Transports magazine. The prize celebrates initiatives that effectively connect various forms of transportation.
Angers’ winning project, Irigovélo, a bicycle network designed “like public transport,” stood out among competitors, including two Nantes initiatives – Micromob and the Gare Sud Parvis velopark. A jury of eight transport professionals praised Irigovélo’s approach to creating a comprehensive and accessible cycling infrastructure.
Irigovélo: Cycling as a Public Service
The Irigovélo network strategically connects urban centers, residential areas, and public transport hubs – including tram, train, and bus stations – with secure and free bicycle parking facilities. Building upon 700 km of existing cycling infrastructure, Irigovélo also incorporates three national cycle routes: La Loire à Vélo, La Vélofrancette, and La Vallée du Loir à Vélo, creating a vast, interconnected network.
Launched on May 5, 2025, the network’s first line, GO 01 (5.4 km), between Angers and Saint-Barthélemy-d’Anjou, opened on June 2, 2025. Plans call for five additional lines by the summer of 2026, followed by five more by 2030, ultimately comprising 11 main lines. “90% of the route is on its own, secure and separated from road traffic,” reports the Angevin metropolis, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for cyclists. The network’s design mirrors public transport systems, featuring consistent signage, a distinct logo, line numbering, and clear directional markings.
These developments in Nantes and Angers demonstrate a growing commitment to cycling as a sustainable and integral part of urban life, positioning these French cities as leaders in a global movement towards more bike-friendly environments.
