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Bike: Is the capital soon to be transformed into a huge cycling track?

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The Editor

© Hugo Dominguez / Le Bonbon

For a few years now, there’s no doubt about it, Paris has definitely become the capital of biking. This is a passion of the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, which shows through the creation of lots of bike lanes and dedicated pathways. And sorry to the SUV drivers, this is far from over!

In 2024, the City of Light officially became the paradise for cycling, with more people commuting by bike than by car on a daily basis. This wonderful growth was largely thanks to the lockdown and numerous strikes, as well as the transformations implemented by the City Hall. But despite all these advances – which we celebrate – there is still a long way to go to reach the initial goals set by the City and make Paris the kingdom of cycling (because yes, that’s the plan).


A booming cycling plan

We often tend to think that the history of cycling in Paris begins in 2019, when all Parisians decided to switch to cycling due to strikes and various COVID-related traffic restrictions. However, it didn’t...;en means nothing. Already, because it is in the capital itself that the very first demonstration of the bicycle in the world took place. Proof, if any was needed, that the City of Light is destined to become the haven for cyclists. And then, because it was in 2015 that the very first "Bicycle Plan" came to life.

At that time, the project was quite simple: double the network of cycling infrastructure (including paths, lanes…) from 700 km to 1400 km. This undertaking was estimated to cost 150 million euros, aiming to redesign the major thoroughfares envisioned by Baron Haussmann to give a fresh space to non-motorized two-wheelers. But now, 10 years later, what has happened to the project of transforming the capital into a giant bike path?


Measured Progress

Before we take stock, it’s important to note that in 2021, a new bike plan was created, better suited to the new demands (especially due to the increasing number of cycling enthusiasts). It's a project of huge transformation, which should p...

bring an end next year, in 2026. And if we're not quite there yet, one thing’s for sure, it's definitely made progress! Indeed, at this moment, the capital has over 1000 km of bike paths.

And it shouldn't stop there, since nearly 180 km of new bike paths are set to emerge in the coming months, bringing the total number of two-way bike lanes to a lovely total of 400 km. However, this expansion of cycling routes, which is fantastic news, also brings with it some challenges, such as user safety and sharing the road. These are increasingly pressing issues in recent discussions, leading to some measures being introduced. Let's hope the capital can become a cycling haven in peace and respect for everyone!