Faced with the task of rethinking its transportation systems in the face of the ongoing public health crisis, Paris and the Île-de-France are clearing the way for people on bikes.
"Paris is the latest global city to roll out emergency bike lanes for the use of key workers and others during the lockdown," according to an article by Carlton Reid. The shift toward bike priority in Paris will last beyond the lockdown.
Concerns about transportation mode choices (i.e., a massive shift to automobile trips) after the lockdown has led Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo ready 650 kilometers of cycleways—including "corona cycleways"—for May 11 when the lockdown is eased in France. Mayor Hidalgo is also accelerating the existing "Plan Vélo," which is designed to turn Paris into a 15-minute city. A January 2020 article by Reid reported in more detail about Mayor Hidalgo's ambitious plans to end the car-centric design of Paris streets.
Now, Mayor Hidalgo's efforts have support from higher levels of government. "On April 21, the Île-de-France region pledged financial support for the preexisting RER Vélo project, a network of nine protected cycleways linking the center of Paris with key suburbs, a concept of the Ile-de-France Bike Collective advocacy network," reports Reid. "€300 million will be provided to part-pay for a mix of new infrastructure and temporary 'corona cycleways,' or TempoRER vélo," according to Reid.
FULL STORY: Paris To Create 650 Kilometers Of Post-Lockdown Cycleways
Paris Plans to Become a '100 Percent Cyclable' City
Mayor Anne Hidalgo continues her commitment to making Paris more bikeable with a new plan that will improve bike parking and facilities in the French capital.
The Car-Free Revolution Continues in Paris
The city continues to reclaim space for pedestrians and cyclists.
Lockdown Benefits Urban Farmers In Paris
Pandemic induced lockdown kept Parisians within 1 km of their homes during lockdown, benefiting urban farmers and advocates for a diversified local food supply.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)