Paris plans to transform iconic Champs-Élysées into pedestrian-friendly green space
15-minute city
Since her election in 2014, Hidalgo has championed the transformation of the city’s streets from a car-centric model to one that prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists.
In order to combat air pollution in the city, Hidalgo oversaw the introduction of ‘Paris Respire(Paris Breathes), in May 2016, which included banning all cars from certain areas of Paris on the first Sunday of the month, as well as making public transport and the city’s bicycle and electric vehicle schemes free for the day.
Other policy changes, including an increase in the price of parking meters, a ban on free parking on certain days, and the conversion of certain sections of a highway along the River Seine into a riverside park, have also underscored the city’s efforts to reduce car use.
As part of her re-election campaign in February 2020, Hidalgo announced plans to transform Paris into a ’15-minute city’ – where residents would be able to reach necessary amenities (such as schools, offices, shops, parks, health centers) by a 15-minute walk or bike ride – shifting dependency away from cars in order to cut air pollution levels.
In April, the city unveiled plans to install up to650 kilometersof temporary and permanent bicycle lanes as part of itsPlan Véloscheme, which aims to make every street in the city cycle-friendly by 2024.
SHIFTis brought to you by Polestar. It’s time to accelerate the shift to sustainable mobility. That is why Polestar combines electric driving with cutting-edge design and thrilling performance.Find out how.
Story byCities Today
Cities Today is the leading news platform on urban mobility and innovation, reaching an international audience of city leaders.Cities Today is the leading news platform on urban mobility and innovation, reaching an international audience of city leaders.
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.
