While Electric Vehicles (EVs) and even discussions of flying cars dominate modern headlines, a more traditional mode of transport has seen a significant resurgence: the bicycle. Especially during recent global events, cycling has become a new normal, driven by increasing fuel prices and a growing appreciation for its health and economic benefits. Responding to this trend, France is committing a substantial $290 million to make its capital, Paris, entirely bicycle-friendly.
This ambitious initiative goes beyond simply encouraging more people to cycle; Paris is undertaking a comprehensive transformation. Read on to discover the full scope of this groundbreaking plan!
Paris’s Ambitious Vision: A Fully Cyclable City
While many European cities promote cycling, car traffic often still presents significant challenges. Paris, France, is leading a new wave of urban planning with a 250 million euro ($290 million) investment aimed at making the entire city bikeable. This bold move ensures that residents and visitors alike can safely and conveniently navigate Paris by bicycle.
This isn’t an entirely new concept; the current plan is a significant enhancement and update to the city’s pre-existing ‘Plan Velo’.
The original Plan Velo, active from 2015 to 2020, established an express cycling network, particularly along north-south and east-west routes and beside the Seine River. Now, as more individuals embrace cycling for their daily commutes and leisure within Paris, the city is committed to advancing its biking initiatives even further.
Cycling’s popularity in Paris has surged, evidenced by a 47% increase in riders between 2019 and 2020, followed by a 22% rise from 2020 to 2021. Recognizing this growing preference for bicycle travel, Paris has permanently established over 50 kilometers (31 miles) of what were initially temporary bike-only lanes, known as ‘coronapistes’.
The updated strategy, ‘Plan Velo: Act 2’, spans from 2021 to 2026 and aims for Paris to become completely cyclable. Under the leadership of Mayor Anne Hidalgo, this ambitious plan includes adding another 130 kilometers (over 80 miles) of dedicated bike-safe pathways, complementing the existing coronapistes. Furthermore, the initiative encompasses improved cycling facilities, converting some car parking spaces into dedicated bike parking, and enhanced street maintenance services like snow removal and cleaning, all designed to facilitate a seamless experience for cyclists.
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To further prioritize sustainable transport, Paris is actively removing over 70% of current on-street parking spaces designated for motor vehicles. Plan Velo: Act 2 also introduces educational measures, such as teaching children to ride bikes in schools, establishing bike repair workshops in every district, and actively promoting cycling tourism across the city.
In total, Paris is implementing over 180 kilometers (112 miles) of dedicated two-way cycling paths and enhancing safety for cyclists on 390 kilometers (242 miles) of one-way streets by better separating bicycle traffic from car traffic. The city also plans to reconfigure traffic lights to favor commuters who choose bicycles or public transit over driving.
“Until now, automobile traffic has been favored through the regulation of traffic lights,” the new plan states. “From now on, priority is given to buses, trams and bicycles thanks to a ‘green wave’ system (specific setting of traffic lights).”
These comprehensive measures are vital for Paris to achieve its goal of becoming one of the world’s leading bike-friendly destinations. The continued success of Plan Velo: Act 2 could inspire other major cities globally to adopt similar sustainable urban mobility strategies.
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