The Metropole of Lyon launched Freevélo’v at the end of 2021. Vélogik provides bike maintenance with inclusion players. It’s a free long-term bike rental service for students and young people in integration, designed to offer them the opportunity to get around the Metropole easily.
Freevélo’v, making cycling accessible to young people
Freevélo’v offers thousands of bikes loaned free of charge to students. Young jobseekers also benefit . The program is also open to young people in the Lyon metropolitan area who are in the process of finding a job.
The aim of the project is to develop the use of bicycles on a daily basis and reduce atmospheric pollution. Freevélo’v introduces young people to cycling and offers them a low-cost mobility solution for those who are sometimes far from the public transport network.
The project is also part of a circular economy approach, with a view to reducing the environmental impact of cycling.
Second Cycle, the second-hand specialist, sourced the bikes. They come from former bicycle fleets, and have been on the streets of major European cities. They are then reconditioned and put back on the road.
Finally, this service also helps many people find employment by training them in cycle mechanics.
Freevélo’v bikes reconditioned by people on integration schemes
In 2021, Vélogik has decided to join forces with the ESTIME group, which works for the social and professional integration of people far from employment in the Lyon area.
Vélogik and ESTIME have teamed up to open a “Atelier Chantier d’Insertion”. Each year, this enables 8 to 12 people far from employment to be pre-qualified and supported. Vélogik brings its technical expertise in bicycle maintenance, while ESTIME contributes its know-how in terms ofintegration. Services include social support, adaptation of the support to the target group, and preparation for exit. Located in Villeurbanne, theESTIME Vélogik workshop offers a range of bicycle repair services for local authorities and businesses. It aims to extend its target to private customers in 2023.
The Atelier Chantier d’Insertion is in charge of reconditioning and putting the freevélo’v on the road. They have helped other social integration players such as Unis bike, the ADJ Foundation and the Foyer Notre Dame des Sans-Abri.
Vélogik is in charge of steering and coordinating these different players. Vélogik is responsible for the overall management of the loan service. Follow-up of the fleet are made via the Véloclik software, which enables users to make their reservations online. This software enables the teams in charge to manage availability. The teams are also responsible for welcoming young people, and for returning and collecting bikes. The team also monitors contracts, logistics and promotes the service through dedicated events.
Since its creation in 2008, Vélogik has been working daily to develop cycling mobility in France. Consequently, in the context of its activities, professional inclusion is a major issue for Vélogik. Its aim is to structure a professional, inclusive, local and sustainable bicycle industry, in phase with the Freevélo’v service.
