VIDEO. Adults discover cycling for the first time in Paris

“You forgot to turn around, you forgot to turn around!” ” exclaims Frédéric Vitry, a cycling instructor at the association Développement animation vélo Solidaire (DAVS), one of 15 cycling schools that offer cycling lessons for adults in Paris.

A few meters away, 40-year-old Claudia Sama, sitting on a black bicycle, plunges inexorably into the grass of the International University City of Paris (14th arrondissement).

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Courses in high demand after quarantine ends

Just a few days ago, this mother from Clamart (92 years old) had never ridden a bicycle. After hours spent finding balance and learning to track her trajectory, she is now practicing controlling her speed as she climbs and descends. A dangerous agility exercise for those who are still shaking their shoulders in search of stability.

After the end of quarantine and with the growing popularity of cycling in Paris, the association found itself overwhelmed with demand. DAVS typically trains about 300 adult novices each year. “But this year we risk blowing up the counter,” says Louis Staritsky, one of the three coaches.

The association also offers a government-funded “Coup de Pouce to get back in the saddle”. The system allows new or inexperienced cyclists to take advantage of a free 1.5-2 hour course to improve their skills in urban environments. “But in general, those who come with this system take additional courses,” notes Louis Staritsky.

“It’s not easy for me”

This housekeeper and nurse practices her scales before heading to work. “It’s hard to learn balance. I’m afraid of falling. I thought it was easy, but it’s actually not easy for me.”

A Banier resident (92 years old) decided to take cycling lessons after a trip to a bike shop. “Since I couldn’t drive a car, the salesman advised me to come here.”

VIDEO. Adults discover cycling for the first time

In France, 2.1% of the population does not know how to ride a bicycle.

Claudia Sama regretted that she could not accompany her daughter on two wheels during walks in the park. “And then cycling is practical,” the forty-year-old enthuses, “to be able to travel more than 10 km or go to work.”

“This is something that I miss a little, something that I couldn’t have as a child when I was little,” admits the social worker. In Côte d’Ivoire, where she spent her childhood, she never owned a bicycle: “My parents, being modest, did not have such a cycling culture. In fact, the boys shared the bikes among themselves. Girls weren’t really like that.”

In France, 2.1% of the population have never learned to ride a bicycle, according to a study by the Club of Cyclical Cities and Territories. The population is mainly made up of women like Claudia and Naima. 3.5% of women do not know how to ride a bicycle, while only 0.7% of men are not trained to do so.

“After two classes, people start pedaling.”

Beginners usually need about ten sessions before hitting the town. The association charges them 120 euros. 60 euros for recipients of minimum social benefits and students. “After two classes, people start pedaling. Sometimes one, sometimes three. It depends on the situation,” explains Frédéric Vitry.

“Adults are more afraid of falling [que les enfants]obviously.” Less athletic athletes also have difficulty at the start. “But they learn as quickly as children,” rejoices Frédéric Vitry.

Claudia Sama smiles widely as she slips between several pairs of red stilettos. “There is no age to learn. As they say, there is no age to go to school. There’s no reason why I can’t get on a bike.”

An enthusiasm that is shared by many students at this school: “They often make a big deal about it. The thing works. They are very happy. There are people who say, “I steal,” “I steal,” smiles Frédéric Vitry.

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