In a pioneering effort to transform itself into a more efficient metropolis, the sustainable and welcoming to the cyclists, Paris is preparing to implement its ambitious Climate Plan 2024-2030.
This comprehensive initiative, presented to the Paris Council in December 2023 and subsequently approved by the elected officials in 2024, is based on a commitment to a climate action accelerated, localized and equitable, with an emphasis on changes that resonate with residents globally on a daily basis, he noted. Ron Johnson in an article published by momentummag.com.
A key element of the city's vision is an overall plan for prioritizing the cycling infrastructureThe goal is to create a more connected and accessible urban landscape for cyclists. Paris intends to significantly expand its business bicycle lane networkintroducing an additional 180 kilometers of bicycle lanes and 130,000 bicycle parking spaces by 2026.
This cyclist-centered approach seeks not only to reduce pollution related to automobile traffic, but also to promote alternative sustainable and healthy mobility for residents.
"For every new bike lane, there are always more Parisians getting around! Like on rue du Renard in central Paris, whose new bike lane has quickly attracted new cycling enthusiasts," expressed Mayor Anne Hidalgo.
To further support this cycling revolution, Paris will be implementing a series of "pedestrian hearts" in each district, starting with a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) in the heart of the city by the end of 2024. This transformative zone will be reserved for pedestrians, bicycles, public transport and specific user categories, signaling a paradigm shift away from individual car use.
The measure is similar to the acclaimed concept of the superblocks of Barcelonaas part of the city's efforts to create more pedestrian-friendly and sustainable neighborhoods. Within these superblocks, interior streets are transformed into pedestrian priority zones, while perimeter streets remain accessible to local traffic. The central part becomes a shared space for residents, encouraging community activities, green spaces and recreational areas, prioritizing pedestrian space and cycling infrastructure.
In addition, Paris intends to discourage tourist coaches from driving through the city center by 2024 and, by 2026, plans to set up large pedestrian malls in all districts. These measures underscore the commitment of Paris to create a friendlier environment for cyclists, reduce dependence on individual cars and encourage a sustainable and resilient urban ecosystem.
A five-pronged climate plan
1. Protect the population from the consequences of climate change:
- Greening, refreshing and adapting the city.
- Reducing inequalities in the face of climate change.
2. Drastically reduce pollution related to automobile traffic:
- Reduce space for individual cars.
- Support low carbon mobility.
3. To massify the environmental transformation of buildings:
- Renovate public and private buildings.
- Accelerate the ecological transformation of schools and daycare centers.
- Protect children from heat.
4. Accelerate the exit from fossil fuels and target 100% renewable energies:
- End the use of fossil fuels.
- Mass production and use of renewable energies.
- Preserve resources.
5. Promote and support a local, resilient, low-carbon economy:
- Support and invest in local and sustainable trade and crafts.
- Produce sustainable, more plant-based and local foods.
- Financing the ecological transition.
Source: momentummag.com