Ahead of the big strike, the French take to their bikes When public transport grinds to a standstill on 5 December, many people in the Ile-de-France region will head to work by bicycle, as hundreds already do every day. The transport strike, if it continues, could even encourage more people to get on their bikes, and avoid the inconveniences of public transport. Cycling enthusiasts say switching to two wheels is more a more reliable, economical and ecological way to commute. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES