CityProgression: Yann Moszynski Fights for Bicycling in Novice Manner

In the heart of Paris, a wave of change is sweeping through the city's urban landscape, and at the forefront of this transformation are two dedicated advocates: Yann Moszynski and the cycling collective Les Rookies.

For over a decade, Yann Moszynski has been a prominent figure in Parisian cycling advocacy. His passion for cycling, which began as a necessity due to insufficient public transit in his hometown, has evolved into a mission to make cycling a practical and accessible means of transportation in the City of Lights.

Les Rookies, a group active since the early 2010s, has been instrumental in promoting everyday urban cycling. Through organising group rides, events, and campaigns, they aim to normalise cycling not just as a sport but as a daily transportation option. Yann Moszynski, one of the group's key figures, has been at the forefront of public discourse, pushing for improved infrastructure, safety, and recognition for cyclists in Paris.

Together, they have contributed significantly to raising awareness, influencing local policy, and fostering a cycling culture that counters Paris’s historically car-centric urban planning. Their efforts have played a notable role in shaping the history of cycling advocacy in Paris, complementing official initiatives like dedicated bike lanes and public commemorations that mark a cultural shift towards sustainable mobility.

Recent symbolic and policy measures from the city show a strong commitment to supporting cyclists. For instance, the official naming of a bike lane after a young cycling activist, Paul Varry, highlights the city's dedication to cyclists’ safety and visibility. Activist groups, such as Paris en Selle, with members like Varry, emphasise a safer, car-reduced urban mobility model, which aligns with the ethos and efforts of cycling advocacy groups like Les Rookies.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the popularity of cycling in Paris has surged as a safer alternative to public transportation. This shift has been further catalysed by the handbook for cycling in an urban area, created by Yann Moszynski and Matthieu Tober, which was published online for free on May 11, 2020. The handbook provides practical advice on choosing a bike, dressing for various weather conditions, and riding safely, among other things.

The handbook received immediate and overwhelming feedback, with support from the team of Anne Hidalgo, the new mayor of Paris, and the Minister of Ecology in France. Les Rookies' handbook led to an increase in people switching to cycling for their daily commute and finding a place in the Les Rookies cycling community.

In the summer of 2022, Yann Moszynski and Matthieu Tober will embark on a 500-kilometer bike trip through Norway, documenting their journey in a film titled "irresistible paradox of discomfort." The documentary will feature interviews with cyclists from around the world explaining why they travel by bike.

Yann Moszynski encourages cycling rookies not to feel judged or pressured and to try cycling to see if they enjoy it. He advises using social media as a powerful tool for cycling advocacy and recommends reaching out to established cycling associations before starting a cycling project. City officials from other cities have even requested a printed version of the handbook to distribute for free.

Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, has implemented an ambitious plan to increase cycling and reduce car usage in the city. She has banned cars from the banks of the River Seine and re-designed parts of the famous Champs Elysée to become green pedestrian areas. These changes, along with the grassroots efforts of advocates like Yann Moszynski and Les Rookies, are paving the way for a safer, less car-dependent urban environment aligned with sustainable transport goals.

References: 1. Paris Cycling Revolution 2. Les Rookies 3. Paris en Selle 4. Anne Hidalgo 5. Yann Moszynski

Yann Moszynski's passion for cycling transcends beyond a hobby, making it a mission to transform Paris's urban landscape.
Les Rookies, an active group since the early 2010s, champions everyday urban cycling, seeking to normalize it as a practical means of transportation.
Yann Moszynski, a key figure in Les Rookies, spearheads public discourse, advocating for improved cycling infrastructure and safety in Paris.
Together, they have significantly influenced the history of cycling advocacy in Paris, complementing official initiatives for sustainable mobility.
The naming of a bike lane after activist Paul Varry reflects the city's commitment to cyclists' safety and visibility.
Paris en Selle, another cycling advocacy group, supports a safer urban mobility model, mirroring the ethos of Les Rookies.
The surge in cycling popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic is a notable shift, with Parisians opting for bikes as a safer alternative to public transportation.
Yann Moszynski and Matthieu Tober's handbook on urban cycling, published online, offers practical advice, contributing to the city's cycling culture.
The handbook's positive reception led to an increase in people adopting cycling and joining the Les Rookies community.
In the summer of 2022, Yann Moszynski and Matthieu Tober will embark on a 500-kilometer bike trip in Norway, documenting their journey in a film.
"Irresistible Paradox of Discomfort" will feature interviews with cyclists worldwide, highlighting their reasons for traveling by bike.
Yann Moszynski encourages cycling beginners to try biking, assuring them they will not be judged or pressured.
He believes in leveraging social media for cycling advocacy and advocates reaching out to established cycling associations before starting a project.
City officials from various cities have shown interest in the free printed version of the handbook for distribution to their residents.
Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, aims to increase cycling and reduce car usage in the city with an ambitious plan.
She has made significant changes like banning cars from the River Seine banks and redesigning sections of the Champs Elysée into pedestrian areas.
These changes, combined with grassroots efforts from advocates like Yann Moszynski and Les Rookies, are shaping a safer urban environment that fosters sustainable transportation.
Fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts would admire Moszynski's stylish cycling attire, demonstrating that fashion can be integrated into a sustainable lifestyle.
Food-and-drink establishments proximity to bike lanes could facilitate healthier food choices for cyclists, advocating for a balanced lifestyle.
Home-and-garden stores might consider offering bike racks as a service, catering to the growing number of cyclists.
Relationships formed through shared cycling experiences can foster stronger bonds, promoting personal growth and community building.
Pets can benefit from regular exercise and focused time spent with their owners during bike rides, enhancing the bond between them.
Traveling by bike in various cities can open one's eyes to new perspectives, broadening horizons and enriching personal growth.
Cars, while not the primary mode of transportation in the cycling-centric city advocated by Moszynski and Les Rookies, may still serve specific purposes like long-distance travel.
Education-and-self-development opportunities could emphasize the benefits of cycling, promoting it as a viable transportation option.
Casino-and-gambling attractions like those found in Las Vegas could potentially be accessible via bike paths, offering a different and more exciting way to reach the venue.
Responsible gambling skills training could incorporate cycling as a mindful activity to manage stress and improve mental well-being during downtime from casino games like blackjack, big-wins slots, lotteries, and poker.