The €50 subsidy, initially available until the end of the year, will now be available until March 31st, Environment Minister Barbara Pompili said on Monday.

“In a context of another easing of lockdown, the government wants to encourage the French to choose the bike to get around,” the French ministry for ecological transition said in a press statement.

Over 1 million bike owners had made use of the scheme as of November 24th, the government said.

The bonus can only be used once.

How does it work? 

Before taking your bike to be fixed, you'll need to visit the coupdepoucevelo.fr website to indicate that you are a “private individual” and that you “want to get your bike fixed”. 

After clicking on both those options, you will have to chose where you want to take your bike to get fixed using the interactive map listing all certified shops offering the service. 

How do you get the €50?

When making the appointment, your will need to provide your full name, date of birth and phone number. After registering you will receive a text message to confirm your appointment.

The €50 bonus will be removed automatically from your bill when paying and will turn up on your receipt. Just don't forget to bring your phone and ID card as proof.

What kind of repairs are we talking about?

A pretty wide range of services, from changing tyres to repairing the brakes. If in doubt whether your specific repair will be covered, just ask when setting up the appointment.

Security accessories such as locks, reflective vest, helmet and lamps will not be covered by the scheme.

Why would they give €50 to fix your bike?

Authorities across France strive to turn Paris and other cities more bike-friendly to initiate more people to choose the bicycle over other more polluting means of transportation. 

Authorities in the capital and other French cities have turned hundreds of traffic lanes into protected “coronapiste” bike paths, encouraging the cycling boom seen since the first lockdown was lifted in May.

Is it working?

It seems like it. Use of bike lanes overall jumped 30 percent this summer compared with the same period last year.

“We're living a bike moment,” Pompili said earlier this year, adding that the government's primary role was to ensure that all cyclists, from longtime commuters to novices, “can ride in complete security”.

READ ALSO: Why are cyclists in Paris more numerous than ever?

Overall, some €80 million will be spent on the subsidies as officials try to reduce dependence on public transport in a bid to cut coronavirus contagions.

Some €200 million will also be spent as part of France's €100 billion economic recovery plan to build secure parking spots at train stations and finance around 600 new bike paths over the next two years.