Bicycle instead of car - Paris in transition
A study by a public foundation has shown that more than one in ten journeys in Paris and the surrounding area are made by bicycle. This is a remarkable increase compared to 14 years ago, when less than one in thirty journeys were made by bike. Paris seems to have been endeavouring to change its transport policy for years. With more cycle paths and cycle lanes, fewer car parks and higher parking charges, the city is trying to promote cycling and reduce car traffic. But what does this mean for the existing low emission zone?
There is no doubt that the increase in cycling in Paris is remarkable. More than twice as many journeys are made by bike than by car. The difference is particularly noticeable in the morning rush hour, when almost one in five journeys into the city are made by bike. Journeys from the surrounding area are also made more frequently by bike than by car. This indicates a positive trend when it comes to reducing traffic and improving air quality in the city.
While the city has undeniably made efforts to promote cycling, it is questionable whether these measures alone are sufficient to achieve a significant improvement in environmental quality. The creation of more cycle paths and cycle lanes is commendable, but is it enough to noticeably reduce car traffic? Reducing car parking spaces and increasing parking fees are also measures that penalise car drivers rather than offering alternatives.
It is also questionable whether the increase in cycle traffic is not at the expense of road user safety. While the city is endeavouring to create safe cycle paths, the increase in cycle traffic can also lead to more accidents if sufficient safety measures are not taken.
But will the existing low emission zone actually be relieved by the increase in cycle traffic? Although bicycles are undoubtedly less polluting than cars, the impact on the low emission zone could be less than one might think at first glance. This could be the case in particular if the increase in bicycle traffic is mainly at the expense of public transport and not car traffic.
Overall, the increase in cycling in Paris is a step in the right direction to reduce traffic and improve air quality in the city. However, questions remain about the safety of road users and the actual impact on the low emission zone. Will the city be able to overcome these challenges and achieve a sustainable transport transition?