The future of cycling
The Tour de France is interested in the promotion of cycling in all its forms and therefore launches this year a communication campaign inviting television viewers to ride their bikes for their daily journeys. Four video clips that have been regularly aired on the France Télévisions channels since the latest edition of Paris-Roubaix highlight the benefits of cycling in a multitude of areas, beginning with daily life scenes. Often faster, obviously healthier, certainly cheaper and always less polluting than other means of transport, the cycling is essential in urban life as the ideal solution, both collectively and individually. "We have everything to gain," sums up the campaign slogan.
The Tour Workshops
Since the 2017 edition, the Tour Workshops have been set up close to the start of the stages (five cities in 2017 and nine cities in 2018), to host the youngest riders and guide them as they learn how to ride. There is an area reserved for them to learn how to handle a bicycle, while another teaches them how to keep their bikes in running order (repairing an inner-tube, adjusting the brakes, etc.). Taking care of your bike also means protecting yourself: a stand run by municipal services or associations gives the right tips for securely attaching it and proposes engraving identification plates. Of course, attention is also paid to security, both in terms of equipment (helmets, vests, etc.) and traffic rules. Lessons for learning how to use your bike daily will be offered by Road Safety Authorities.
Protecting biodiversity
The Tour de France takes place on all the roads and visits the cities, the countryside, mountains and the coastline of the country with the same desire. Sensitive to the beauty of the territories, Le Tour is also aware of the importance of defending biodiversity, to preserve the equilibrium of natural sites. For the past several years, the Biodiversity Tour de France initiative put in place with the Museum of Natural History has produced films presenting an exceptional natural site for each stage, whose role in the local ecosystem is explained in detail by a man or woman from the region. The broadcasting of these clips on France Télévisions is accompanied by a particular plan and measures specifically adapted each time the race passes through a Natura 2000 area (helicopter overflight limitations, public access restrictions, etc.)
Keys figures of Le Tour’s CSR:
• 88 protected natural areas (national parks, regional nature parks, reserves ...)
• 100,000 trash bags made from 100% recyclable materials handed out all along the race route
• 42 waste collection areas reserved for the riders
• 9 bike awareness zones: the Tour Workshops
• The participation of 10,000 children in the Dictée du Tour spelling contest
