Bar-le-Duc. All on bikes: a week to celebrate soft mobility

"When we left early in the morning, when we set off on the paths by bicycle..." Everyone knows the song, but how many actually put it into practice, even if the era of car-only travel for the smallest of journeys is gradually giving way to other soft forms of mobility, guaranteeing more flexibility and fewer traffic jams in urban areas...

In this context, the town of Bar-le-Duc is launching its first edition of "Tous à vélo" (All on Bikes) from June 11 to 17. A new event in the Barisian calendar presented by Jean-Paul Lemoine, First Deputy Mayor in charge of participatory democracy, urban planning and housing: "This operation is the result of meetings and a partnership with the Barisienne Multisport Association (AMB). The objective of this week "Tous à vélo" (All on Bikes) is clearly to reach different audiences and different places."

The official launch will take place on Wednesday, June 11th, with a bicycle exchange being offered at the Ressourcerie by the AMI and Réparabar associations, with the possibility of purchasing and repairing bicycles. On Thursday, June 12th, the municipal police will meet with CM1-CM2 students to offer workshops on road safety and prevention. Friday, June 13th will be dedicated to the presentation of future street furniture dedicated to soft mobility in the city.

On Saturday, June 14, the Union cycliste barisienne (UCB) will offer agility courses in the town hall park, as well as six departures throughout the day to learn how to use 30 zones (rules to be respected in these shared lane areas). Elected officials will also be invited to hop on their bikes to participate in a shared diagnosis of travel in the city. Transdev will be on hand to promote rental bikes from the TUB, near the train station. The bike exchange at the Ressourcerie will continue...

On Sunday, June 15, the town hall park will once again be used by the general public for the Balade des Michaux. Two rides are on the program, reserved for vintage bikes (built up to the 1980s at the latest). Departure at 9 a.m. for a ride open to the public (maximum 50 registrations), a flat 20 km circuit around Bar-le-Duc via Longeville and Fains, using the greenways, starting from the town hall park. The tourist office, a partner of the operation, has specially prepared a road book listing around ten notable points along the route, with explanatory stops for all participants. Departure at 9 a.m. also for the second hike and a 45 km route (maximum 100 registrations) towards the verdant Saulx valley, with refreshments in L'Isle-en-Rigault showcasing local producers (brie, terrine)... Return around 11:30 a.m./12 p.m. to the hotel park for these two bike rides.

A "vintage bike and outfit" elegance competition will reward those who have managed to best slip into their period character. A large raffle with two vintage bikes to be won is announced with participation tickets on sale at partner retailers and on site with a draw and prize giving around 5 p.m. Sunday day rocked by a musical atmosphere, just as vintage, between concerts by the Finnish Accordionists, and other more jazzy parts. History of always remaining... dancing.

Other activities on Sunday, June 15th. Exhibition of vintage bicycles, as well as postcards and stamps organized at the village hall. Photo booth set up for participants of the Balade des Michaux, to immortalize this day. Grand stroll in town on a small route secured by the municipal police at 3 p.m. Smoothie bike to make juice while pedaling, generator bike, original bikes to test (tandem, seated bike, inverted bike, etc.), timed gymkhana, prevention stand with MGEN and the League against cancer.

Various information, route and spirit of the event: www.amb55.fr