To put an end to procrastination, Grenoble's municipal organization, Le Metro, has just published a pamphlet detailing everything you needed to know about riding a bicycle in the city. This new guide, along with the annually updated map of green ways, gives would-be bikers no excuses to give up their gas guzzling Peugeot. With the publication of this guide, Le Metro, aims to supplement the free map of greater Grenoble's bike paths.
For new and experienced riders alike
The 40 page brochure will soon become an indispensable tool for riders new to city biking. With explanations on how to maneuver between pedestrians and cars, tram tracks, intersections, bridges, and boulevards, urban obstacles become less intimidating, letting bikers actually enjoy riding through the city. Even long time cyclists can appreciate the guide's recommendations, as security measures and a good knowledge of road rules hold just as much importance as good brakes and inflated tires.
The Urban Cyclist's Guide also reviews the more practical aspects of city cycling: lighting, maintenance, theft prevention, adapting to weather conditions, transporting children, even liability insurance. The guide also thoroughly presents a user's guide for the street: a cyclist's rights and duties, how to safely get through obstacles, what to do at intersections, and how to navigate between buses and delivery trucks, all integral parts of Grenoble's cityscape.
Even better, the guide's photos and schematic drawings help dissect risky situations, such as rider blind spot. And finally, it includes a list of helpful addresses where cyclists can have their bike repaired, buy and sell used parts, find out about bike courier services, join an association of cyclists, even a list of websites for keeping an eye on the weather.
Cycling around Grenoble
With 280 kilometers of bike paths sprawling through its Alpine valley, Grenoble presents some fantastic bike routes. And for visitors, it's possible to take advantage of both the natural and urban landscapes thanks to Métrovélo, a bike rental system that preceded even Paris' famous Véli'B. With two agencies, one at the train station, the other on the university campus, visitors can easily and cheaply rent a bicycle for half a day or as long as a year, with prices starting at just 2 euros! And what's more, this includes a bike lock, helmet, and child seat (if needed). Métrovélo also rents electrically assisted bicycles, for cyclists who want to enjoy the outdoors with minimal effort.
For visitors and newcomers, a map of the city's bike tracks can be picked up at at Métrovélo agency, the tourism office, and at some bicycle shops. But for a real treat, the website suggests a few trip ideas. A ride to nearby Sassenage's chateau and underground natural cisterns will enchant cyclists of any age. Further south, one of the seven wonders of the Dauphiné region awaits--Lesdiguière's bridge in Pont-de-Claix, opened to traffic in 1611 and riders can easily cycle there today.
With the Urban Cyclist's Guide, Métrovélo's map and rental service, anyone visiting Grenoble, even for just a weekend can take advantage of the network of bike paths that stretch in an around the city.
Christina Rebuffet-Broadus - Originally from the sunny Mississippi Gulf Coast, I have lived in France for four years now. It all started with a whirlwind year in ...
