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Bikes soon banned from certain streets in the capital?

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The Editor

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We know that transportation and getting around the streets of Paris are key focuses of the policies led by Emmanuel Grégoire since his election. At the forefront, promoting gentle mobility and ensuring everyone's safety. A project that, paradoxically, could be at the expense of bicycle enthusiasts...

Since taking office, our new mayor has been clear about his desire to continue the efforts of Anne Hidalgo, his predecessor, in terms of transportation and sharing the roads. For instance, he is still waging war on cars by announcing plans to increase areas completely reserved for pedestrians. While this project looks great on paper, one question arises: in these streets, what about biking?


Growing Tensions

In recent years, we have witnessed a real explosion of biking in the streets of Paris. This massive increase is fantastic, as it means a decrease in car and public transport usage — which, although more eco-friendly than a car, still pollutes more than a bike. Everyone will agree.

However, this increase in cycling enthusiasts isn't without its negative consequences either. While some bike fanatics think they rule the streets, conflicts with pedestrians are quite common. Not to mention the increasingly frequent, sometimes dramatic incidents involving cars, vans, and other motorcycles. Yet, while Emmanuel Grégoire has promised the introduction of over 80 “pedestrian zones” during his term, similar to what we already see in Oberkampf, a genuine question arises: what space is left for bikes?


Various solutions to consider

To ensure the safety and tranquility of the new paths, should we, like cities such as Lille, Amiens, La Rochelle, or Nice, impose a mandatory stop-off point? For...

Delphine Bürkli, mayor of the 9th district, there’s absolutely no doubt about it, it's not about punishing cyclists, but about protecting pedestrians. Dan Lert, deputy in charge of transportation, on the other hand, is more measured.

At the moment, bicycles are not banned from these roads, but they must follow a strict rule to go slowly, meaning no faster than a person walking. Unfortunately, this rule is not always followed, especially by owners of electric-assist vehicles (hello, fatbikes…). However, associations and local officials seem to be on the same page: if a designated area were to be established, it couldn’t happen without the creation of well-designed alternative routes for cyclists (which is something missing at the Pont des Arts, which is normally off-limits to bicycles). It’s a situation that should be studied on a case-by-case basis to find the best way to make everyone happy.