Coming into force on Monday, the “bicycle repair boost” operation was a hit. The emblematic measure of the government to encourage part of the population to travel by bicycle during the deconfinement consists in providing financial assistance of 50 euros as part of its rehabilitation. Nearly 3,000 authorized repairers have responded favorably and 4,300 Ile-de-France residents, including 500 from day one, have already benefited from a regular overhaul of their bikes.
VIDEO. Bike check for 50 euros: "People are already bringing me their old bikes"
After only three days of deconfinement, repairers are overwhelmed with demands. Nicolas, owner of the La Gazelle brand in Boulogne-Billancourt (Hauts-de-Seine), even reopened a day earlier to satisfy his new clientele. "As of Sunday evening, my answering machine was full," reveals the professional whose mechanic on short work during confinement resumed on Tuesday.
"I can't afford to spend 20 minutes filling out a file ..."
For the profession, dormant since mid-March, this boost obviously falls at a peak even if everything is not perfect. "Yes, this check is good, specifies, again, Nicolas. But me, with an overcrowded workshop in the morning, I can't afford to spend 20 minutes filling out a file… ”
"We have already struggled like crazy during the strikes in December and here we are adding a completely crazy procedure, annoyed Jeff, repairman in the IXth arrondissement, who threw in the towel because he could not pay his rent. This check, we saw it coming as a boon but with zero cash in advance, it became impossible. "
The device, valid until December 31, 2020, wants the customer to leave without paying if the invoice does not exceed 50 euros (excluding taxes). Then instructs the repairer to carry out the procedures himself on the dedicated platform, Coup de pouce vélo, to be reimbursed.
"In six clicks including the photo of the bike, the file is filled"
Some kind of poisoned gift? "Honestly, in six clicks including taking a picture of the bike, the file is filled," retorts Olivier Schneider, president of the FUB (Federation of bicycle users), who is piloting the operation with the State. I would like to believe that there is an adaptation period and that is why we will make things easier as early as next week with a pre-registration procedure. But I accept the fact that the customer does not advance the costs. We wanted inclusive aid that does not penalize the most disadvantaged, and the state undertook to reimburse repairers within eight days. For us, it is a success beyond our expectations. "
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