Paris: radical reallocation of space to cycling and the public realm
Paris has been radically reallocating space from motor vehicles to cycling and public space. The most visible changes are the dramatic cycle tracks (Rue du Rivoli, etc) and the space reallocation (Place de la Bastille, etc). But there are less visible changes that are just as important, in particular low traffic streets and circulation system changes. And the political and legal and design context of these changes is important.
This is based on three days I spent in Paris in May 2024, as part of a London Cycling Campaign study tour. One day involved discussions with the deputy mayors in charge of transport for the 14th and 20th arrondissements and a presentation on the VIF "Ile-de-France cycle network" (with some cycling to get to the meetings); a second day involved cycling around looking at infrastructure, guided by campaigners from MDB and Paris en selle; and I had two half-days largely spent walking around by myself.
