It starts with a car-free day in Paris...
On September 27th 2020, Paris went car free for a day. For the first time in a very long time, cars no longer dominated the city. Paris was handed over to the people who live in it.
This day was a celebration of commitment to a low carbon future, as well as the spirit of the city. It enabled the people of Paris to rediscover our streets by opening them up to the possibilities of clean modes of transport. Transport that is free from noise, air and visual pollution. Parisians were able to reflect on what ‘sharing public space’ means in the 2020s, and people’s ability to envision a ‘green city’ skyrocketed. This day was a catalyst to trigger politicians to reduce the role of cars in Paris to ensure a sustainable future.
Parade-Trocadéro-@Iris-collectif-La Faille
“It enabled the people of Paris to rediscover our streets by opening them up to the possibilities of clean modes of transport. Transport that is free from noise, air and visual pollution.”
This day provided a fantastic barometer to show the citizens of Paris the impact that reducing cars in the city can have. Our hope is that the Car Free Day in Paris will inspire other cities, just as we have been inspired by other climate initiatives around the world such as the Car Free Day in Brussels or the Ecofestival on the La Voie est Libre motorway in Montreuil.
During lockdown, we were finally able to take a deep breath and enjoy living in a Paris with a healthier environment. As life returns to ‘normal’ and two million cars, scooters and trucks are back on the road every day, we are reminded that city life without automobiles can - and will - happen. The change that was deemed unrealistic was proven possible, and attitudes towards a car free Paris have shifted. Parisians do not want to sink back into a reality where pollution prematurely kills more than 2,500 Parisians a year, they want change.
Like most major cities in the world, Paris has traditionally favoured travel by car as its preferred means of transportation. Cars still account for 50% of public space, yet only 13% of journeys are actually taken by car. The arrival of Bertrand Delanoë and Anne Hidalgo at City Hall has accelerated the move away from cars as part of our day to day life, but we must go further. Paris is a city of exceptional assets; from its amazing metro system, to its buses, trams, bicycle services, electric scooters and 371 km of cycle lanes and counting. Unlike many other cities, Paris is walkable. This means visitors and residents alike can enjoy its beauty at the same time as reducing air pollution. We need to ensure our strengths are being utilized rather than overlooked in favour of cars.
“Cars still account for 50% of public space, yet only 13% of journeys are actually taken by car. ”
@rs-photographie.com
With education, determination and courage our city can make private cars obsolete. This change is vital for our health, to meet our environmental standards and our future.
Best of all, we will be able to enjoy the friendly, social atmosphere that a car free Paris will provide. Without cars, Paris is first and foremost a city that lives for its people, providing thousands of opportunities to meet one another and enjoy the incredible city of Paris together.
Cathy Lamri
Car Free Megacities Paris Lead | Paris Sans Voiture
