Pedestrians and cyclists in Paris are welcoming a new policy that will restrict the speed limit on nearly all streets in the French capital to just 30 kph, down from 50 kph.
The law is the latest move by the municipality to advance the city closer to its climate targets and transform people’s relationship to their vehicles. The aim is to gradually build a culture that moves away from cars as a primary transportation option, opting for public transportation and cycling instead.
Though not as popular among car owners, most Parisians support the idea, especially as it will make streets safer and quieter. The new policy also comes at a time when an increasing number of people have taken up cycling and micromobility services as a means to move around.
The law includes exceptions for a handful of wide avenues including the famed Champs-Elysees — which is set to soon become a large community garden — and the bypass circling the historical capital. Under Mayor Anne Hidalgo, the Paris city government has already restricted or banned vehicle traffic on several streets and increased the number of bike lanes.
