Tempered by the rain last year, the bike ride organized by Limoges Metropolis could count this year on an impeccable weather. What make it a real family success.
A pristine blue sky, 21 degrees of mercury. The conditions were perfect this Sunday in Limoges for the bike ride that proposed the Metropolitan. An 11km course north of the city, intended primarily for families.
Last year, only 80 people dared to brave the weather. This Sunday, they were almost four times more.
What delight the president of Limoges Metropolis: "We can see that we are not in a fashion but in a real need to move otherwise than by car. It's the bike, but it's also walking or riding a scooter. Scooters who are also 8 in number, and who are still in the test phase for a rental service of the Metropolis.
The opportunity for some also to try the electric The Metropolis currently rents 735, but the device is a victim of its success. At least 200 people are still waiting to rent one. Fifty electric models are expected to arrive in October.
"It's a family ride"
Fifty is also the number of people present this Sunday to ensure safety on the way. The route takes in particular paths where circulate a few cars. Among them: Jean-François, Mobility Manager at Limoges. With his acolytes in orange reflective vest, he is preparing to keep for 300 minutes the 300 cyclist safe cars.
The participants are also given a yellow vest on their arrival at the scene. The helmet, compulsory up to twelve years old, is strongly recommended for the older ones, generally well-followed discipline.
The pace cannot be more quiet, and the speedometer barely exceeds 10km / h. "I'm waiting for you because you're falling behind," says a young boy to his father. "We are not lagging. We roll quietly," corrects the father. "It's a family ride, not a hike of drunkards". We could not have said better.
In light climbs, the engine of the offers supports certainly a little guilty, but terribly appreciable.
The second half of the route then crosses the housing estates, bringing residents to put their nose to the portal to encourage the horde of walkers.
"We'll come back! "
At the approach of the sport field, young cyclists in need of sensation taste the pleasure of the bumps of the bike course, before joining the pack.
Upon arrival, a snack awaits participants who are generally attracted by the ride.
"It's true that we are used to riding a bike on vacation," recognizes Elide, who came with her family. "It showed us that we could still do it easily with children here".
Satisfaction also for Adeline who rents security on the course. "It's the big plus. We wanted to do it last year, but it had rained. We'll be back next year if it's sunny?! "
Sandrine regret nonetheless not have passed through the city center, which proposed the course of last year.
A charge of revenge for cyclists: on September 22, Limoges organizes the day without a car, at the initiative of the Youth Council. What to take full advantage of downtown, two wheels, or three for the youngest.
