Though the recent British, Irish and Australian successes in the Tour de France, "les classiques", the olympics and paralympics have increased public awareness of cycling, it is the additional benefits for the environment and for personal health that have taken the benefits of cycling to a far wider population.
In France, cycling is an institution and forms an essential part of the culture and make-up of this bike-friendly country, appreciated by cyclists the world over for its challenging cols and more bike-aware other road users.
As a result of France's influence on cycling many terms and expressions have, at least, a french influence and in many cases have retained the word in french (e.g. dérailleur).
With the increasing influence of frame, parts and accessories manufacture outside France, plus of course "le Grand Départ" 2014 in Yorkshire, the French are looking more and more outside their country.