Now the Surrounding Paris Region Set to Revolutionize Cycling with €500 Million Network

First it was Paris, which is moving forward with a massive cycling network that is already transforming how city residents move throughout the city, and now the entire region is getting in on the act with Réseau Vélo Île-de-France (VIF).

As urban congestion reaches a tipping point and public transport systems strain under the weight of growing demand, the Île-de-France region is moving forward with a comprehensive network of dedicated bicycle paths and lanes spanning 750 kilometers. Known as the Réseau Vélo Île-de-France (VIF), formerly the RER-V, this ambitious project aims to revolutionize cycling by providing safe and efficient routes throughout the region.

Originally conceived in 2019 by the Île-de-France Cycling Collective, the VIF initiative represents a collaborative effort to address the pressing need for enhanced cycling infrastructure. With an investment of 500 million euros pledged by regional authorities, this groundbreaking project is poised to become the largest express bicycle network globally.

By integrating cycling pathways with existing public transport corridors, the VIF seeks to provide commuters with a seamless and sustainable mode of travel.

The network plans are as follows:

• V1: Le Mesnil-Aubry – Arpajon
• V2: Vélizy-Villacoublay – Aéroport Charles-de-Gaulles
• V3: Maurepas – La Verrière – Villepinte Exhibition Centre – Claye-Souilly
• V4: Cergy-Pontoise – Marne-la-Vallée Chessy
• V5: Poissy – Pontault-Combault
• V6: Cergy-Pontoise – Tournan-en-Brie – Verneuil-l’Etang
• V7 : Mantes-la-Jolie – Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry – Melun
• V8: Plaisir – Paris
• V9 : Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche – Paris
• V10: Petite Ceinture
• V20 : Grande Ceinture

Map of new bicycle network surrounding Paris

The heart of the VIF project lies in its commitment to safety and accessibility. Recognizing the inherent risks faced by cyclists in urban environments, particularly in bustling cities such as Paris, the initiative prioritizes the creation of continuous and secure cycling facilities. Each of the 11 planned lines, scheduled for completion between 2025 and 2030, will feature clearly marked routes inspired by the familiar color-coded systems of public transport networks.

One of the most eagerly anticipated routes is Line V2, which will offer cyclists a direct connection between Charles de Gaulle Airport and Vélizy-Villacoublay. With completion expected by 2025, this ambitious project aims to provide eco-conscious travelers with a sustainable alternative to traditional modes of airport transportation.

The VIF initiative represents a significant step forward in promoting cycling as a viable means of transportation in Île-de-France. By offering cyclists safe and convenient routes, the project aims to alleviate congestion, reduce emissions, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents across the region.

As construction progresses and new routes come online, the VIF promises to transform the way people move within and between urban centers, ushering in a new era of sustainable mobility in Île-de-France.