May on a Bike
Congratulations to the entire Montpellier university community! Thanks to your commitment and energy, the 2025 “Mai à Vélo” initiative at the University of Montpellier was a resounding success. The entire university community cycled a total of 13,131 kilometers during the month of May 2025, placing it among the top schools and universities with more than 500 students.
Traveling 13,131 kilometers on a conventional bicycle results in 2.23 kilograms of CO₂e* emissions, compared to 144 kilograms on an electric bicycle, 1,358 kilograms in an electric car, and 2,857 kilograms in a gasoline-powered car!
* CO₂e = CO₂ equivalent, i.e., the unit of measurement created by the IPCC to standardize and measure the climate impacts of various greenhouse gases.
CO₂e emissions per 13,131 kilometers traveled (source: ADEME)
"May on Two Wheels " is a national initiative aimed at promoting cycling in all its forms throughout the month of May. This event, which brings together local governments, organizations, businesses, individuals, schools, and universities, encourages people to adopt cycling as a daily mode of transportation. It is a community-driven, eco-friendly initiative that highlights the benefits of cycling for health, well-being, and the environment.
Much more than just a mode of transportation, cycling embodies freedom and contributes to a more peaceful lifestyle. Over the past five years, Mai à Vélo has become a must-attend event for cycling enthusiasts in France, bringing together hundreds of organizations and thousands of participants. In 2025, the event set a participation record with 4,800 registered communities, 270,000 cyclists, and 15.4 million kilometers collectively covered across the country—equivalent to 385 times around the Earth!
In addition to promoting active transportation, Bike Month helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourages year-round cycling. Nationwide, this amounts to nearly 3,400 tons of CO₂e saved compared to the same trip by gasoline-powered car.
Keep pedaling with the same enthusiasm, for a promising and more environmentally friendly future! On your bikes, get set… Go!