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Biking in Paris, a major issue for the 2026 municipal elections

undefined undefined 16 janvier 2026 undefined 08h30

The Editor

© Jagoda Bartus / Le Bonbon

As the race for the mayor's office heats up, one topic is really taking center stage: transportation. Cars, subways, bikes—everyone's chiming in with their thoughts! A Parisian cycling association has even put together a list of requirements for the candidates.

We know that an election campaign électorale is, no matter the stakes, primarily a time for certain candidates to give beautiful speeches full of promises about the potential wishes of voters. However, there’s sometimes a gap between what candidates think Parisians want and what they really want. So, to make things easier for them, the association Paris en Selle has compiled a list of what users of the little queen in the capital truly expect.


Reassessing the city's priorities

For the past few years, it’s absolutely undeniable that biking has seen a boom in the streets of Paris. What was once an exceptional mode of transport has now become the norm, gathering today more users than cars. And while this expansion delights us, it also does a lot of good.

the planet, it certainly brings its own set of questions, especially when it comes to security and infrastructures.

So much so that user associations are now asking for guarantees from local leaders to ensure the best conditions for everyone. To achieve this, Paris en Selle, a major association in the capital, has decided to compile a list of 20 key points that they believe are necessary to guarantee the safety of all. But then reorganization, removal of cars and training, what does this list include?


Drastic but necessary measures?

First off, the association reminds us that today, the majority of trips, outside of public transport, are made on foot or by bike, not by car. It therefore seems logical that space should be allocated to each mode of transport.proportional to its use. To achieve this, Paris en Selle recommends the rearrangement of 17 spaces, as well as the complete removal of cars on certain roads, such as Boulevard Saint-Germain, Avenue de l'Opéra, or the surroundings of the Louvre.

To ensure everyone's safety, the association is also advocating for the implementation of bike schools and the development of a « learn to ride a bike » program in schools. In the same spirit, they are calling for measures to reduce speed, more control and penalties, as well as more informed law enforcement regarding bicycles. Now, it remains to be seen if the various candidates will be ready to take the necessary steps.