Colas : The Voies Lyonnaises cycling network gets off to a great start

In Lyon's greater area, France, Colas Perrier TP and Aximum are actively contributing to a flagship project designed to reshape the city: theVoies lyonnaises, a network of 13 bike paths that will ultimately crisscross the ancient capital of Roman Gaul. Teams have delivered the first section of a large-scale project that aims to create almost 250 km of wide, safe bike lanes by 2026 (and up to 355 kilometers by 2030). Designed as a public transport network, theVoies lyonnaisesnetwork will provide links from the downtown area to outlying suburbs, as well as between different towns making up the city's inner ring.

The Group's teams have been working on bike path 1, which, when completed, will extend for 17 km between the towns of Vaulx-en-Velin and Saint-Fons, via the La Doua university campus and the banks of the Rhône River. The first one-kilometer section has been delivered, showcasing a range of the Group's expertise, including earthworks, asphalt mixes and marking. The Urbalith surfacing solution was chosen by technicians from Greater Lyon and validated by architects from the French architectural authority to cover 400 meters of path. The light-colored, permeable surfacing solution was used for its esthetic qualities, its natural integration into the environment and its ability to reduce urban heat islands.

The other innovative feature of the project was the use of an all-electric excavator, Mecalac E12, that Colas just acquired. This novel piece of equipment reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to machinery running on conventional fuel. The electric excavator is also silent. The reduced noise pollution makes the construction work more acceptable to local residents and communication between teams is also facilitated.

"Most jobsite accidents are the result of workers being unable to speak to each other. So quiet equipment is a huge benefit", explains Marc Michaud, Perrier TP center manager.

By taking part in this project, Colas is contributing to the development of soft mobility solutions for communities. Up to 28,000 cyclists per day will be able to use theVoies lyonnaisescycle network by 2030. To tackle climate change, Colas offers its solutions to local authorities wishing to promote the coexistence of uses and increase the number of soft mobility options. By creating practical, safe and clearly demarcated bike paths, the Group is supporting the evolving travel habits of the people of Lyon. In addition to encouraging softer mobility, the priority for the project is to minimize the carbon footprint, through the use of light-colored surfacing solutions designed to eliminate heat islands, and plenty of landscaped spaces.