From March, the Montpellier Metropolis will deploy its bicycle boxes

Après une phase de test, l’heure est au changement de braquet. Midi Libre – GIACOMO ITALIANO

Deux fabricants, dont un montpelliérain vont commencer à équiper la ville. Un premier jet en attendant une extension à plus grande échelle encore si le concept trouve son public.

1. La genèse du projet

This project is part of the campaign program of the current municipal and metropolitan majority. But between the wish and the realization, there was sometimes a long way. "It looks simple, but it’s not really”, nuance Julie Frêche, metropolitan vice-president, in charge of transport and so-called active mobility.

Electrical connection required, recommendations from Bâtiments de France (for the protected area), location and practicality (direction of opening…), wanting to place “simple” bicycle boxes in an existing urban fabric is sometimes a challenge.

Especially since a consultation of citizens on this subject has, strangely, failed to recognize the Metropolis. Which further delayed the choice of said locations (see our infographic).

2. Implementation

But now and after tests carried out with several boxes (one located at Place Ponge, behind the Polygone, two others at Plan-Cabanes and avenue Bouisson-Bertrand), the deployment will be able to begin. It will be effective "from March until 2025", specifies the elected official.

3. The type of equipment chosen

There are three actually. The manufacturer Altinova (based in the Saint-Etienne region) was selected to supply two, with NT Urban, a Clapas company supplying the boxes intended for residents. The first type of box (called Cover) will include twenty spaces accessible via the M’Ticket application and will also allow parking in car parks + tram for 29 € l’an.

For non-metropolitan residents (tourists…) access will cost 2€ (one day) at 8 € (week) or up to 12 € (month). Ten are planned at the moment.

The second type (the Cigogne, like the one at Place Ponge), will have a slightly more residential approach by offering five places accessible via an annual subscription of 59 €. The size of those currently being tested, they will open via a magnetic card and can be installed in half a parking space or next to other equipment already in place. Thirty were ordered.

The third (Polybox) finally will be aimed more at the inhabitants of certain streets in the nearby suburbs (Aubes, Boutonnet, Arceaux…). These will be individualized places. Or a box comprising four individual spaces that can accommodate, for example, an adult's bike and two children's bikes. This will be more qualitative equipment available with a subscription set at 79 € the year. Twenty-five will be installed for now. To access it, the tenant will use either the M’Ticket application or a magnetic card.

4. Under La Comédie and in Saint-Roch

Parallel to this network, a secure space under the Place de la Comédie will be able to accommodate dozens of two-wheelers. Another similar car park will also be open in the Saint-Roch station area.

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