Paris accelerates sustainable transport transition

Paris is an inspiration for major cities around the world, having reduced car traffic in the central area (Ile de France) from a vehicle share of 12.8% in 2010 to 6% in 2020.

Bike lanes are being expanded in Paris. Photo: EURONEWS

The city is densely populated and has one of the best metro systems in the world. But the most striking transformation has been the increase in cycling and walking during this period (up from 55.4% in 2010 to 68% in 2020).

Many programs at all three levels of government prioritize reducing traffic and parking to make room for bike lanes; taxing and restricting more polluting vehicles; advertising for cars must include messages promoting greener modes of transport; and providing incentives for bicycle repairs and calibrations. The central area of ​​Paris is built on the island of Ile de France, which limits the land area to about 60 ^{square kilometers} for a population of about 10-11 million. Since 2007, Paris has launched Vélib, one of the world's largest public bike-sharing programs.

In 2008, France began taxing the purchase of high-emission second-hand cars, based on CO2 emissions, engine power and the first registration of the vehicle. In 2014, Anne Hidalgo was elected mayor of Paris, pledging to tackle the city’s notorious air pollution problem. Paris now boasts more than 1,300km of cycle lanes, 500km of which were installed between 2014 and 2020. Another 30km of new lanes have been added both in and around the city centre for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Driving in Paris requires a lot of patience, says a spokesperson for Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire. Cycling, on the other hand, is quick and safe, as the increased lanes mean people don’t get lost in an “ocean of cars.” According to a recent study by the city’s planning agency, more Parisians now cycle through the center than drive. During his 2020 re-election campaign, Mayor A. Hidalgo announced plans for a “15-minute city,” where people can meet most, if not all, of their needs within a short walk or bike ride from home. The city will eliminate 72% of on-street parking and make all streets bike-friendly.

The space created by removing on-street parking will be transformed into bike lanes, green spaces, vegetable plots and playgrounds. All built on the Velo Plan, which promises that every street will have a bike lane, every bridge will have a bike path and every citizen will be able to walk or cycle to get everything they need. Paris’s approach to the Games also emphasizes sustainability. For the first time, the Games will be held primarily in the inner city and its 26 regions.

“It’s a way to create playgrounds for everyone and to show that in times of climate change we can continue to organise events in the city in a different way, because you can get to the venues by foot, by public transport and by bike,” the spokesperson said.

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Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/paris-tang-toc-chuyen-doi-giao-thong-ben-vung-post746480.html