Dordogne takes action to make cycling easier - see how it may affect you

Dordogne has taken action to make cycling a more practical option for everyday journeys, as well as for leisure and tourism.

“Better mobility also means a better quality of life, better-connected communities and greater local attractiveness,” the department said after its new charter was approved during a plenary meeting on October 5.

The charter sets guidelines for the design and construction of cycling infrastructure across the department.

The department is largely rural and car use remains very common. However, many journeys are relatively short, with the department saying that 55% of journeys are under 5km, while 60% are between 1km and 3km in rural areas.

What does this mean for residents?

The charter does not introduce any new requirements for residents. Instead, it is intended to influence how future cycling projects are designed across Dordogne.

It is intended to help local authorities create cycling routes that are continuous, safe, comfortable and easy to understand.

The department wants these routes to form a coherent network instead of simply adding more kilometres of cycle paths.

For residents and visitors, this could mean safer and more continuous cycle routes, better links between town centres, schools, stations and other local facilities, as well as clearer signs and waymarking.

The charter also provides guidance on separating cyclists from other traffic where appropriate and choosing suitable routes for different locations.

The department said cycling can also support tourism, local shops, access to services and the promotion of Dordogne's landscapes and heritage.