Transport Ministry eyes new scheme to encourage more people to get out of their cars.

Transport Minister Fredéric Culliver wants to see a healthier France within his term, and he plans to accomplish this through ‘plan vélo’ — a scheme which aims to get more people out of their autos and into bicycles.

But to give motorists added motivation to make the switch, the ministry is encouraging companies to pay employees for every kilometre they pedal. Initially, the pay will be between 21 to 25 centimes per kilometre.

There is a similar scheme at work in Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark and Germany which have seen success. At present, around 17 million French ride their bike once a week while three million use it on a daily basis.

This system of mandatory compensation of cycling employees has been supported by some sectors in the public. Others, however, are asking why government is prioritising this over other issues.

Biking club Villes et Territoire Cycables vice president Gilles Pérole welcomed the news, saying ‘If the government worked more closely with communities, the alternatives to the car, like cycling, could grow much quicker.’