Well, it's in the middle of being implemented. It started on June 4th. 1300 miles in two weeks. With mileage like that, there's no extra energy or time for escaping.

Cycling is not well-respected in the US, so it doesn't surprise me that the kids you worked with saw the bikes as a potential means of escape as opposed to a real and valid athletic opportunity. Perhaps they would have had a better experience with a basketball or baseball league--sports that kids here understand and aspire to playing.

As the article says, "Prison officials decided on cycling ''because in the history of French sporting events, the Tour de France is something that finds itself very near the summit,'' Grosvalet said..."

Thanks for the article, Salsa.