France boosts cycling infrastructure, targets rural areas

A woman rides her bicycle near the glass Pyramid of the Louvre museum in Paris, France, September 20, 2022. REUTERS/Rali Benallou NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES

PARIS (Reuters) - The French government said on Tuesday it would boost state support for cycling in 2023, hoping to promote the use of bicycles for transport in rural areas, improve citizens' health, and use them in the energy transition.

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne told reporters a new 250 million euro ($249 million) cycling fund will boost bike infrastructure and finance cycling lessons for 800,000 school children.