Driving in Lyon can sometimes feel like an endurance challenge. This is certainly the conclusion drawn by the latest Driving Conditions Index produced by Compare the Market, which evaluated traffic conditions in 40 major European cities.
With an overall score of 56.17 out of 100, Lyon secures the fourth spot on the list, following Dublin, Bucharest, and Athens. It even outperforms several cities known for their heavy traffic, like Milan, Rome, and Zurich. Notably, it becomes the least well-ranked French city, far ahead of Paris, which is only 21st, and Marseille, in 33rd place.
More than 120 hours lost each year in traffic jams
The number is staggering: a motorist in Lyon spends an average of 121 hours per year stuck in traffic. That’s the equivalent of more than five whole days lost!
grave; watching the red lights turn green... without really moving forward. This situation is explained by a congestion rate of 47.2% and an average speed that barely reaches 21.7 km/h. In other words, crossing the city during rush hour often feels more like a slow procession than an actual car trip.For comparison, Parisian drivers lose about 109 hours a year in traffic jams, while those in Marseille fare a bit better with 74 hours.
A metropolis where cars are everywhere
The number of cars continues to fuel this daily congestion. The Lyon region has nearly 606 vehicles for every 1,000 inhabitants, a volume that puts constant pressure on an already heavily used network.
The study also considers other factors like the quality of road infrastructure, safety on the roads, and even weather conditions. While France scores well for its road network, it isn't enough to offset the heavy traffic seen in the Lyon metropolis.
On the flip side, Oslo ranks at the bottom of the list and is seen as the most pleasant European city for driving, thanks to much smoother traffic and significantly lower congestion. This is enough to make any Lyonnais dream!
blocked on the ring road or the tunnel under Fourvière.
Source: Compare the Market