The Nice Côte d’Azur Chamber of Commerce and Industry has just obtained the Pro Vélo Employer label, making it the third employer in the Alpes-Maritimes to earn this label.
This is the culmination of long-term efforts. The Nice Côte d’Azur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) has just received the Gold level Pro-Vélo Employer label, a distinction that rewards private, public, and associative sector employers committed to promoting cycling.
Recognition of Hard Work
The story began in 2023, when the Nice Côte d’Azur CCI actively committed to promoting cycling by joining the national program Pro-Vélo Employer Objective. This initiative targets employers aiming to promote cycling as a mode of transportation. The program offers support and funded audits to verify the actions of companies encouraging cycling. If the company meets the criteria, it receives the Pro-Vélo Employer label, which comes in three levels: bronze, silver, and gold.
To obtain the label, the Nice Côte d’Azur CCI formed an internal project team, led by Cédric Reynaud, Transport and Mobility Project Manager at the Nice Côte d’Azur CCI, to implement the required actions outlined in the specifications. These actions cover five main areas: management and strategy, communication and motivation, services, safety, and equipment.
The Steps to Gold
Cédric Reynaud and his team organized events like the “May on Bikes” challenges and the European Mobility Week. They also offered bike repair and maintenance workshops and training on the safe riding of electric-assisted bicycles.
The CCI also obtained funding of €6,000 through the Pro-Vélo Employer Objective program to support its actions. This funding was primarily used for staff training. Additionally, the organization provided employees with an electric-assisted bicycle, accessible by reservation for their professional trips, lunch breaks, and commute.
Safety Kit, Tools, and Communication
Moreover, the organization improved signage for the bike parking and provided a safety kit to cyclists, along with a set of tools for bike maintenance and those wishing to perform minor repairs. At the same time, the Nice Côte d’Azur CCI ensures regular communication, both internally and externally, about its Cycling Plan developments, thereby maintaining its commitment to sustainable and responsible mobility.
While today the Nice Côte d’Azur CCI holds the Gold level label, this was not what the Conductor, Cédric Reynaud, initially envisioned. Now proud of this achievement, he states:
“Initially, we aimed for a silver label, but over the months and actions implemented, I realized that the gold label was quite feasible, even though we didn’t meet all the criteria. Ultimately, it was a pleasant surprise and a great pride to obtain the label at the highest level“.
Emmanuelle Thominet, Head of Studies and Foresight at the Nice Côte d’Azur CCI, shares Cédric Reynaud’s joy: “I am very proud of Cédric and the teams, as they committed and held on until the end. They worked on this issue, which led to increased awareness and opened new perspectives regarding this means of transport. Their collective effort is rewarded with the label’s acquisition, and even more by its level. This proves that the teams have seen their work recognized, which is wonderful for them“.
A Long-Term Commitment
Through this labeling, the CCI demonstrates a logical commitment and a duty of exemplarity towards the economic actors of the territory, assisting them in mobility studies as part of Employer Mobility Plans.
The certification is valid for three years. The CCI already commits to deploying all necessary efforts to maintain it. Over the coming years, the team will continue to undertake various actions to solidify this pro-cycling approach and aim to earn the label again in three years.