In the context of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, promoting physical activity and sport is a major national cause. The Metropolitan area, which will be hosting the handball and basketball competitions on its territory, is also making this issue a priority.

What is the ‘May by Bike’ challenge?

"One month to adopt cycling... for life" is the challenge launched by the “Mai à Vélo” collective. The initiative is a nationwide challenge that highlights cyclists’ desire to find alternatives to the car, by getting together in teams of employees, schools, residents, neighbours, etc. The aim is to pedal as many kilometres as possible every day from the 1st to the 31st of May, in order to help your team win.

The challenge has been running in the metropolitan area for over 10 years, with the aim of promoting cycling for all. It also invites teams to propose educational, popular, fun and sporting events by registering on the May by Bike website.

What were the results of the 2024 edition?

The Lille Metropolitan Area came 4th in the national challenge in the local authority category, behind Paris, the Hauts-de-France Region and the Nord Department, with 83% of the kilometres covered in the department coming from the Lille Metropolitan Area. The Metropolitan area came top of all French metropolitan areas.

In addition, 10% of the teams registered were from the metropolitan area, demonstrating the enthusiasm surrounding the event. Within the region, 961,119 kms were covered (924,460 in 2023) by 6945 active participants (6,612 participants in 2023) and 428 active teams (333 in 2023).

These results show the popularity of cycling in the Metropolitan area and the changes in habits that are taking place among inhabitants.