velo-bus-paris-circulation-voie-traffic-vitesse-ac

How bicycles became a problem for buses in Paris

undefined undefined 8 février 2025 undefined 12h00

undefined undefined 11 février 2025 undefined 08h55

The Editor

Waiting times that are way too long, with some lines taking up to 30 minutes! An average speed of 8.85 km/h, compared to 15 in 2000. Overcrowded vehicles. There are so many reasons for Paris bus users to complain. Too many! Whether it's the City of Paris, transport user associations, or the Île-de-France region, they all agree that while the numerous construction works in Paris are partly to blame, the true culprit remains the bicycle.


The happiness of some...

Since the Covid crisis, Anne Hidalgo and David Belliard, the deputy in charge of transport at the City Hall, have worked day and night to make Paris the bicycle capital. These drastic transformations bring joy to cyclists, but that’s pretty much it. Indeed, to carry out its little "bicycle revolution," the City of Paris did not hesitate to remove...

g> whole bus lanes, or à to impose lane changes that can sometimes be a bit silly on these poor vehicles.

According to studies, as of now, 80% of bus lanes are still shared with bikes all over Paris. This situation is extremely dangerous, especially for avid cyclists, and it's also a major factor in delays, as buses have to adjust to the speed of cyclists without always having the opportunity to safely overtake them. We thus see a complete disregard and rejection of this mode of transport, which actually has everything to be popular.


Changes on the Way

Buses, in theory, are fantastic. They are the only mode of transport in Paris that is 100% accessible to people with reduced mobility (PRM). They’re also one of the most eco-friendly options, as almost all vehicles used by the RATP are currently electric. They are air-conditioned, and most importantly, they... cheaper than the metro. Yet, no self-respecting Parisian would ever think of taking them to go to work.

In light of this observation, the competent authorities decided it was high time to set things right by restoring the bus to its former glory. And with this in mind, a new agreement was recently signed between the City, the region, and the RATP, aiming to improve bus traffic. The goal is simple: to smooth out and enhance their circulation and quality. However, while the desire to better consider this mode of transport is clearly evident, for now, no concrete measures have been announced. We just hope that any upcoming changes won't come at the expense of the bicycle!