Paris, the city of love and light, is known for its beautiful architecture, art, culture, and cuisine. But have you ever wondered how many people ride bikes in this charming city? In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of cycling in Paris.
History of Cycling in Paris
Cycling has been a popular mode of transportation in Paris since the late 19th century. The city’s first bicycle path was built in 1891 on Rue de la Fayette. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s when cycling became a mainstream mode of transportation in Paris.
The Rise of Vélib’
In 2007, the city introduced a public bicycle-sharing system called Vélib’. This initiative made it easier for people to rent bicycles for short trips around the city. With over 20,000 bicycles and more than 1,800 stations across Paris, Vélib’ became an instant hit among locals and tourists alike.
The Impact of Vélib’
Since the introduction of Vélib’, cycling has become a significant mode of transportation in Paris. According to a survey conducted by the French Ministry of Transport in 2019, over 700,000 trips are made on bicycles each day in Paris. This accounts for about 15% of all trips made within the city.
Cycling Infrastructure in Paris
Paris has been investing heavily in cycling infrastructure over the past few years. Today there are over 1,200 km (745 miles) of bike lanes across the city. The lanes are clearly marked with white paint and separated from traffic by curbs or planters.
Protected Bike Lanes
In recent years, Paris has also introduced protected bike lanes that are physically separated from traffic by barriers such as bollards or curbs. These lanes are safer and more comfortable for cyclists, especially for those who are new to cycling or less confident on the road.
Cycle Tracks
Paris has also introduced cycle tracks that are reserved exclusively for bicycles. These tracks are usually located on wide sidewalks or in parks and provide a safe and comfortable environment for cyclists.
The Future of Cycling in Paris
Paris has set an ambitious goal to become a carbon-neutral city by 2050. To achieve this goal, the city is planning to invest even more in cycling infrastructure and increase the number of people cycling. The city plans to add over 150 km (93 miles) of bike lanes by 2024, bringing the total length of bike lanes in Paris to over 1,350 km (839 miles).
The Benefits of Cycling in Paris
Cycling is not only good for the environment but also has numerous health benefits. It’s an excellent way to stay fit and reduce stress. Moreover, cycling is often faster than driving or taking public transportation, especially during rush hour.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cycling is a popular mode of transportation in Paris, with over 700,000 trips made each day. With its extensive network of bike lanes and bike-sharing systems like Vélib’, Paris has become a cyclist’s paradise. As the city continues to invest in cycling infrastructure, we can expect even more people to take up cycling as their preferred mode of transportation.