Residents of Paris are voting on a proposal to turn 500 streets into car-free zones, led by Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who aims to enhance pedestrian-friendly spaces. While some support the initiative, locals in Montmartre express dissatisfaction, fearing loss of accessibility and community identity. Hidalgo’s vision for a greener Paris includes reduced car traffic and expanded bike lanes, despite rising tensions between cyclists and drivers. As she nears the end of her term, the push for transformation continues.
Paris Votes on Car-Free Streets
Today marks a significant day in Paris as residents cast their votes on the proposal to convert 500 streets into car-free zones. This initiative, championed by Mayor Anne Hidalgo, aims to solidify the ongoing traffic transformation in the city. However, not everyone is on board with these changes, with some critics arguing that the reconstruction primarily caters to tourists.
The question at hand is: “Are you in favor of transforming 500 streets in Paris into pedestrian-friendly zones?” This referendum takes place during Mayor Hidalgo’s final year in office, as she pushes hard to make the city’s traffic changes permanent.
Community Pushback in Montmartre
In the iconic neighborhood of Montmartre, home to the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur and the bustling Place du Tertre, locals are expressing their discontent. Tourists flock to these small streets daily, but residents have begun to voice their frustrations through posters that read messages like “No to unnecessary construction sites” and “Montmartre in rage.”
A few steps away at the café ‘Au Relais,’ community members gather to discuss their concerns. Anne Renaudie, chair of the residents’ group ‘Vivre à Montmartre,’ is leading the charge against what she calls the “advance of construction sites.” She notes that each day brings new changes, including bike racks and closed streets, which significantly impact long-time residents. “For families and elderly locals who have lived here for decades, removing their cars is akin to stripping away their way of life,” Renaudie explains.
Renaudie’s association has garnered nearly 3,000 signatures in opposition to the city’s plans, which include transforming parts of Montmartre into extensive pedestrian zones and eliminating hundreds of parking spaces. The city aims to further reduce private car traffic in favor of a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
Hidalgo’s Vision for a Greener Paris
Mayor Hidalgo has long dreamed of a Paris with fewer cars, a vision she has pursued since taking office in 2014. Her leadership has already led to significant changes, such as repurposing the banks of the Seine into bike paths and jogging routes, implementing a city-wide speed limit of 30 kilometers per hour, and increasing parking fees for larger vehicles like SUVs.
Under her direction, a ‘zone à trafic limité’ was established around the historic Louvre area, restricting private traffic while allowing access to residents, taxis, and delivery vehicles. This initiative mirrors the current plans for Montmartre. Corentin Roudot, a spokesperson for the bike advocacy group ‘Paris en selle,’ praises these developments, noting that bicycle lanes have expanded significantly in the city.
Nevertheless, tensions have arisen between cyclists and drivers as the number of bicycles on the road increases. Last year, a tragic incident involving a cyclist and an SUV driver highlighted the growing conflicts on Parisian streets. Despite these challenges, recent studies show that only four percent of trips in central Paris are made by car, with cycling becoming increasingly popular.
As the city approaches another election year, Hidalgo has announced she will not seek re-election. Yet, she continues to push forward with her ambitious plans, including the greening of 500 streets with trees and plants, transforming them into vibrant pedestrian spaces. Previous voter turnout for similar initiatives has been low, but Hidalgo remains undeterred, having navigated various challenges throughout her tenure. Regardless of who succeeds her, the momentum for a transformed Paris appears unstoppable.