Cycling and walking: solutions for purchasing power, health and the environment, according to UFC-Que Choisir.

The car, the ultra-dominant mobility solution

The car is a very common piece of equipment in France. According to a study by UFC-Que Choisir, "On January 1, 2023, 38.9 million cars were on the road in France, of which around 36 million were owned by bike owners, up 4.5% on 2016". Yet car use remains predominantly individual, with a large proportion of journeys made by a single person, accentuating its ecological impact and the challenges associated with managing urban space.

This car-centric mobility model generates high costs for consumers. In 2022, households spent an average of 14.5% of their total expenditure on transport, a proportion that has remained stable for around ten years. According to INSEE's Family Budget survey (2017), transport is among the top three expenditure items for French households.

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Cycling boosts your purchasing power

The bicycle, an alternative for daily commuting, is an active mode of transport that is still under-exploited, but which offers significant economic advantages while contributing to a better quality of life. In fact, bicycles are much cheaper to buy, maintain and use than cars. However, the development of these modes of transport is hampered by infrastructures that are often unsuitable or insufficient.

• Urban atmosphere generating a feeling of insecurity: lack of lighting, no maintenance of footpaths, etc.
• Lack of continuity of possible routes: cuts and black spots (crossroads that are difficult to cross), saturation of public space by motorized vehicles, awkward parking, encroachment on retail spaces and street furniture (terraces, garbage cans, bus stops), hamper the fluidity and accessibility of urban travel.
• Pollution, noise and road violence: heavy, high-speed traffic.

Consult the study

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UFC Que Choisir and FUB are calling for safe alternatives that are accessible to all.

Aware of these facts, several associations have joined forces to call on public authorities to provide consumers with suitable transport alternatives.

• Encourage scientific research into the positive impacts of walking and cycling.
• Create and improve safe infrastructures for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Roll out the national cycling and walking plan 2023-2027 while strengthening specific actions for walking.
• Raising awareness of the benefits of walking and cycling for health, the environment and quality of life.
• Adopt a "Vision Zero" approach aimed at eliminating deaths and serious injuries on the roads, for enhanced road safety.
• Introduce speed limits to protect pedestrians and cyclists in urban areas.

Read the UFC-Que choisir press release

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They took up the challenge: opinions and feedback from users who have reduced their car use.

"Two and a half years ago, I changed jobs and can now telecommute and travel to work by train, from a station 20 minutes' walk from my home. Faced with the need for yet another repair to one of our two cars, something that happened at every technical inspection, every two years, I decided to sell it [...] This has enabled us to reduce our transport budget, considering insurance, fuel and repairs by around €1,000 to €1,500 a year." Léa, 33, Sarrebourg

"When our children were younger, it would have meant constantly going back and forth by car, whereas we were able to accompany them on foot or on a scooter [...] I really like cycling because it allows me to be punctual, to control my travel time and to park close to where I'm going. What's more, the situation in Lyon has improved a lot in recent years, with more and more cycle lanes." Guillaume, 55, Lyon

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Study carried out by UFC-Que Choisir in collaboration with:

Rue de l'Avenir
Founded in 1988, Rue del' Avenir aims to make cities friendlier, safer and more inclusive. This national association brings together bike owners, local associations with similar missions and local authorities. Find out more.

Club des villes et territoires cyclables et marchables
For 35 years, as the voice of more than 220 member local authorities, the Club has been involved in major national programs concerning cycling (National Cycling Plan, support for active mobility as part of the Stimulus Plan, monitoring of transitional cycling schemes, etc.) in order to continuously relay the needs and requests of network members. Find out more.

Fédération des Usagères et Usagers de la Bicyclette (FUB)
With over 550 local associations and 8 regional groups, FUB works to promote cycling in France. Its aim is to make cycling an accessible, safe and attractive option for everyone. Find out more about FUB.

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