France will likely join the list of countries that provide financial incentives to citizens to get them to abandon cars their and switch to more sustainable means of transportation, such as electric bicycles (e-bikes).
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The European country will offer citizens 2,500 euros ($2,975) to ditch their old, polluting and get an electric bike.
However, this proposal has not been formalized.
Earlier this week, lawmakers in France approved the measure in a preliminary vote. The measure is proposed as part of a climate change bill that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030.
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According to Reuters, the French Federation of Bicycle Users (FUB) claims that if France goes ahead with this plan, it will be the first nation in the world to give people money to trade in their old cars for new electric bikes.
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“For the first time it is being recognised that the solution is not to make cars greener, but to reduce their number,” said Olivier Schneider of FUB.
However, some express some doubts about the Federation's claim to first place, since there have been similar programs in other countries.
For example, as Martti Tulenheimo, head of the Finnish Cyclists' Federation, points out, Finland has taken a similar step by offering subsidies for more than 2,000 bicycles, 1,000 new low-emission cars and tickets for public transport.
Lithuania also did something similar last year . The country's Environmental Project Management Agency (APVA) offered residents 1,000 euros ($1,200) to drop off their old cars. The money could then be used for escooters, electric bikes, public transportation tickets , and more.
The program was considered successful, as more than 8,500 citizens applied for a grant.
Source: TheNextWeb
