SOFT URBAN TRANSPORT / WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE?

SOFT URBAN TRANSPORT / WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE?

Active and non-polluting urban mobility is at the heart of Flaneurz commitments. The energy of the body is our engine, far from the electric batteries found in many modern modes of transportation. Rollerblades, bicycles, scooters, skateboards? Tired of the car or public transport, are you looking for your next clean mode of transportation? We offer you an overview of the different alternatives.

 

/WHY CHANGE YOUR MODE OF TRANSPORTATION?

In the city, the wide range of available urban transport options allows everyone to find their preferred mode of transportation. The trend is developing around non-polluting, non-motorized sports equipment. The chosen means of transportation affect the quality of the air we breathe: this is the whole issue of so-called "soft" transport..

Whether you choose urban transportation by bike, scooter, skateboard, or rollerblades, each option provides you with a solution that emits neither pollutants nor greenhouse gases. In addition to engaging in a sport daily, you (re)discover the joys of urban mobility..

 

/BICYCLES: ACCESSIBILITY

 

The collective spirit places the bicycle in pole position among soft transportation options. Very accessible and reassuring, it does not require specific physical ability or coordination. Major metropolitan areas are increasingly developing bike-sharing services to allow everyone to access this simple pleasure. This mode of transportation is also the most interesting in terms of effort exerted / distance traveled..

The bicycle is still cumbersome, however. There are now folding bikes available that meet the needs of urban cyclists (space-saving...). While it is relatively easy to park it at your destination, it is essential to choose a good lock and carefully select the place to park your preferred urban transportation method to avoid any damage or theft. No fewer than 400,000 bicycles are stolen in France each year.

To ensure that your bike remains your faithful companion over the years, special attention must be paid to its maintenance. The derailleurs, sprockets, and chainrings should be degreased regularly, and the chain oiled for the proper functioning of the system. Flat tires can also compromise your riding enjoyment. The wheels should also be monitored to ensure the bike's longevity..

© Flaneurz

 

/SCOOTER: THE SECOND WAVE

 

The most nostalgic from the early 2000s remember it... This mode of transportation enjoyed great success with the launch of the first foldable model, "Micro." Perceived more as a toy, the scooter was gradually set aside and forgotten. Today, it makes a grand return to the urban landscape with its motorized version, a solution that is far removed from the value of "soft mobility" that the city needs..

Although electric scooter companies provide major cities around the world with the opportunity to ride, it is also very popular to use a scooter without a battery or motor. Just like biking, this activity is quite instinctive and does not require strong balance. Attracting a more adult audience, the scooter is more of an ally for short trips (2-3 km) in daily life because the speed you can reach remains limited. Therefore, the effort-to-distance ratio is less appealing..

The size of the wheels is an essential criterion for comfort: the larger the diameter, the more speed you will be able to achieve. Additionally, braking on a scooter is very simple with a pedal at the back. Requiring little maintenance, riding a scooter is reassuring..

This urban transport is often foldable and follows you in your travels. A bit heavy (around 5kg) and bulky even when folded (almost a meter long), it still appeals to an increasingly broad audience..

© Pigeon City Bird

 

/SKATEBOARDING: THE GLIDING SENSATION WHEREVER YOU ARE

 

Skateboarding is a perfect alternative for enthusiasts of sliding sports such as surfing or snowboarding. On a daily basis, getting on your skateboard is a great way to experience sensations reminiscent of the sea or the mountains.

If this practice is less intuitive than biking or scootering and is considered more of an urban transport option geared towards children or teenagers, it is also a good way to get around your city. While being good for your body, the challenge of learning to skate is increasingly appealing.

By developing your reflexes and agility, skateboarding is a way to strengthen your muscle mass while gaining flexibility. Braking, which is more complex in skateboarding (the need to get off your board), can make its use in the city more technical. So take the time to get comfortable with your skateboard before using it as a daily means of transportation.

The variety of disciplines offered by skateboarding will allow you to do cruising on a longboard, freestyle with mini-skates... While the former is bulky (80-90 cm minimum for 3kg), the latter lacks real stability and speed.

© Flaneurz

 

/ROLLER: FREEDOM AND FUN

 

This dynamic sport engages all of your muscles and allows you to work on your balance. Whether your skates are "inline" (4 or 3 wheels aligned on the chassis) or "quad" (2x2 wheels), this activity is accessible and lets you discover new sensations of speed and unparalleled freedom. Roller skating is an extension of your body and accompanies all your movements. Light and responsive, they follow you in your daily travels and in many sports activities: city commuting, hiking, roller dance, rink hockey, derby, artistic roller skating...

Practicing roller skating is for many a "madeleine de Proust." This mode of transportation, very popular in the 90s and 2000s, has always captivated with its originality and playful aspect. If the fear of falling makes you hesitate to adopt this new way of strolling around the city, a few sessions will help you feel comfortable and better understand the various obstacles..

At Flaneurz, we have chosen to offer an innovation around quad rollers. In developing our system, we aimed to make quad rollers more accessible, perfectly addressing the needs of urban dwellers: a clean and compact urban transport solution. By detaching your plate from your shoes, only your rolling parts need to be transported. Attached to your transport leash or in a backpack, the weight of the rolling parts is about 3 kg. Clip in, roll! Unclip, set off again with the same shoes to conquer the city. No longer choose between your style and your means of transport.

© Flaneurz 

 

/YOUR SECURITY

 

Whether you choose one mode of urban transport or the other, your need for safety remains unchanged.

Bicycles can use the road and are required to follow the traffic laws. Bike lanes are reserved for bicycles and are subject to the traffic code. Scooters, skateboards, and rollerblades are considered pedestrians and therefore ride on the sidewalk.. The French law requires not exceeding 6 km/h, although a certain leniency is observed.

To navigate safely, don't hesitate to plan your route in advance or look for new alternatives. For example, the Parisian start-up Galanck introduces the Galuchon, a smart backpack designed for users of soft urban transport. Its connected GPS navigation system will allow you to be guided through the city without having to check your smartphone, thanks to a vibration system. The integrated LED lights along the reflective straps also make you visible to other road users and indicate your changes in direction..

© Flaneurz / Amandine, with her galuchon Galanck

 

Whether you are a member of the Flaneurz community or any other user of soft urban transport, we support your approach. The evolution of equipment now allows you to choose and find the one that best fits your lifestyle.

The energy of the body is our best ally.