Cycling mobility: Alsace rides in the leading pack

Alsace has emerged as one of France’s most dynamic regions for cycling mobility. With a network spanning over 2,500 km of bike routes, including 330 km of EuroVelo, long-distance cycling paths across Europe, the region combines high-quality infrastructure, ambitious public policies, and strong tourism appeal.

A dense and well-structured cycling network

Alsace’s cycling infrastructure includes a wide variety of routes: cycle highways, greenways, local and regional loops, and cross-border paths. Flagship projects such as the Vineyard Cycle Route and the Forts Trail in Strasbourg showcase this diversity.

Urban areas are also leading the way. In 2025, Strasbourg ranked 10^th globally among the most bike-friendly mid-sized cities, according to the American specialist site PeopleForBikes, with a score of 82 out of 100. It remains France’s top cycling city across several rankings, with nearly 20 percent of commuters choosing bikes for their daily home-to-work journeys.

Ambitious public policies supporting growth

The “Alsace by Bike” partnership agreement brings together the Grand Est Region, the European Collectivity of Alsace, and the five major urban areas (Colmar, Mulhouse, Saint-Louis, Haguenau, and Strasbourg) to coordinate infrastructure development through a multi-year action plan.

This agreement aims to structure the regional cycle tourism offer, improve train-bike intermodality, boost Alsace’s visibility across Europe, and support local cycling loops. It is built on close collaboration between institutions and tourist offices, with a clear goal: to position Alsace as a premier cycling destination in Europe, while promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism.

In addition, the Grand Est Region supports this transition through several initiatives: funding for local authorities to develop cycling infrastructure (covering up to 80 percent of costs), subsidies for individuals purchasing specialized bikes (cargo bikes, adapted bikes), and financing projects that promote cycle routes as tourist attractions. The national Green Fund 2025, with a budget of 50 million euros, also supports efforts to eliminate gaps in the cycling network.

A cross-border and sustainable vision

Alsace’s strategic location at the heart of Europe facilitates cycling connections with Germany and Switzerland. Cross-border mobility is a key part of regional cycling policies, with routes such as the Three Countries Trail and the Marckolsheim-Burkheim link integrating this dimension.

Beyond transportation, cycling is also a driver of tourism and economic development. In Alsace, cycle tourism generates an estimated 78 euros in daily spending per tourist, one of the highest rates in France.